Yes, today is the 31st of December. 2008 will officially end in just over 10 hours. What kind of year has it been? For many it has been a roller coaster, based on the economy, the job market, the credit crunch, the election.
But the year is over, and nothing we can say or do will ever change it. People worry over too many things. They worry over things over which they have no control, or what ifs. This usually leads to more stomach issues than any thing else Time to move forward. Look at 2009 as a fresh start, a new beginning.
Maybe a new start in a new city? With job.travel, there are opportunities in a multiple of career paths. With the new Directory pages, information is provided for possible re-location. Best wishes in the new year from the job.travel staff.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
More Reflections on the Past.....
Besides the past year, people look back over their lives, both personal and career-wise. Some people regret what they have done with either, but that is the incorrect way to look at it. Whether right or wrong, experiences shape the person we are today. I was once told the things to regret are the things we did not do.
My father was a very successful business man. Before he retired it was a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, pool in the yard, nice cars, yearly vacations. I decided to change careers and go to cooking school after he retired. Then he told me that if had the chance he would have played professional baseball. He had been offered a position on the Pittsburg Pirates, but he had a stay at home wife and five children to feed. There was no way he could afford his family on the baseball player's salary back then. So he remained in the business world.
So, if things have not gone exactly as planned, maybe a new career is in store for the new year. People possess many talents and abilities that can be applied to a job they have never considered. Try job.travel for that new start. The past has happened, and cannot be changed, the future is ours to sit back and accept of take a chance and change our path.
My father was a very successful business man. Before he retired it was a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, pool in the yard, nice cars, yearly vacations. I decided to change careers and go to cooking school after he retired. Then he told me that if had the chance he would have played professional baseball. He had been offered a position on the Pittsburg Pirates, but he had a stay at home wife and five children to feed. There was no way he could afford his family on the baseball player's salary back then. So he remained in the business world.
So, if things have not gone exactly as planned, maybe a new career is in store for the new year. People possess many talents and abilities that can be applied to a job they have never considered. Try job.travel for that new start. The past has happened, and cannot be changed, the future is ours to sit back and accept of take a chance and change our path.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Another Year Draws to a Close.....
Here it is the last week of 2008. Amazing how fast time flies. This morning I reminded my boss that it was one year ago that sh rehired me to my old position. Seems like only last month.
Lots has ensued in the past twelve months. The company has downsized due to the decision not to be a branded vacation wholesaler. This move will allow Future Vacations to operate more easily. With the brand contracts, the company was restricted in operations, even within our own brand. Now we can offer cruises and all the necessary side items like flights, hotels, and transfers. Previously the brands had separate cruise operations that we could not infringe on. Currently software is being researched to book everything in one convenient package.
With the downsizing of the company, some employees were thrust into the reality of today's economic times. Even with companies experiencing a downtown, there are still jobs out there for people willing to work. Job.travel has plenty to offer across the country at all levels of experience. Maybe a 're-inventing' may be necessary, and altering a resume to stress particular talents will be needed. Sometimes getting laid off is the start of a whole new career. In fact, that is how I switched from food service to travel, and I enjoy it immensely.
Lots has ensued in the past twelve months. The company has downsized due to the decision not to be a branded vacation wholesaler. This move will allow Future Vacations to operate more easily. With the brand contracts, the company was restricted in operations, even within our own brand. Now we can offer cruises and all the necessary side items like flights, hotels, and transfers. Previously the brands had separate cruise operations that we could not infringe on. Currently software is being researched to book everything in one convenient package.
With the downsizing of the company, some employees were thrust into the reality of today's economic times. Even with companies experiencing a downtown, there are still jobs out there for people willing to work. Job.travel has plenty to offer across the country at all levels of experience. Maybe a 're-inventing' may be necessary, and altering a resume to stress particular talents will be needed. Sometimes getting laid off is the start of a whole new career. In fact, that is how I switched from food service to travel, and I enjoy it immensely.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve in the city....
Here it is the end of the work day on 24 Dec. The office is VERY casual mode here. Our boss has been out chatting with all the people on the floor. We were talking of Christmas past and the traditions we all had growing up. Larry pulled up his family's website and let us see his family at Christmas, there are 11 children. YIKES!!
It seems that at the holidays people reflect back over the year and and those previous. It can be both happy and sad events, but that is what shaped the people we are today. Currently I am wearing a Santa hat that has large spiral with a pompom on the end instead of the traditional version. I was told it fits me perfectly.
As stated in a previous posting the president has given everyone an extra day of vacation on Friday. Those that are required to work will receive double pay. In addition, all the employees got a $25 gift card with their checks, and we had hot cocoa and cookies on Monday compliments of the executive staff. Small gestures go a long way to boost morale in these current economic times.
So if looking back on the year makes you think of a change for the new year. Check out the opportunities on job.travel. The next year your memories will be of a fun work environment. Happy Holidays from the job.travel team.
It seems that at the holidays people reflect back over the year and and those previous. It can be both happy and sad events, but that is what shaped the people we are today. Currently I am wearing a Santa hat that has large spiral with a pompom on the end instead of the traditional version. I was told it fits me perfectly.
As stated in a previous posting the president has given everyone an extra day of vacation on Friday. Those that are required to work will receive double pay. In addition, all the employees got a $25 gift card with their checks, and we had hot cocoa and cookies on Monday compliments of the executive staff. Small gestures go a long way to boost morale in these current economic times.
So if looking back on the year makes you think of a change for the new year. Check out the opportunities on job.travel. The next year your memories will be of a fun work environment. Happy Holidays from the job.travel team.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Holiday Cheer
Well, it is two days before Christmas and the second full day of Chanukah, and it was 80 degrees. Not quite conducive to the Norman Rockwell type of Christmas of which people think.
This year will be a low key holiday. Just a few gifts exchanged with my roommate, I have already shipped gifts to my brothers. Since our cruise was only two weeks ago, that was part of the gift swap.
In this time of a trouble economy, maybe the best gift you can give is a warm heartfelt smile, or quality time with your family. My boss spent the weekend in Orlando with her family and had a wonderful time. It will be something they will always have.
Even with jobs being lost, there are still employment possibilities out there. Check out job.travel. Opportunities are endless in the hospitality field.
This year will be a low key holiday. Just a few gifts exchanged with my roommate, I have already shipped gifts to my brothers. Since our cruise was only two weeks ago, that was part of the gift swap.
In this time of a trouble economy, maybe the best gift you can give is a warm heartfelt smile, or quality time with your family. My boss spent the weekend in Orlando with her family and had a wonderful time. It will be something they will always have.
Even with jobs being lost, there are still employment possibilities out there. Check out job.travel. Opportunities are endless in the hospitality field.
Monday, December 22, 2008
'Tis the Season
Living in South Florida there are a variety of events and attractions. This being the last weekend before Christmas and Chanukah, the holiday theme is prevalent. Last week at a friend's open house my roommate and I met a man that sings for the Miami Gay Men's Chorus. So we decided to attend the final performance of the Holiday show.
We purchased our tickets on line at the Colony Theater on Lincoln Rad in South Beach. After my roommate returned from church, we drove the 45 minutes to South Beach. We had a nice lunch at one of our favorite places, wandered around some, bought calender and then went to the theater. Lincoln Road is a closed to traffic pedestrian mall lined with shops, bars and restaurants, most of which offer outside seating. It is very European in feel with multiple languages spoken at neighboring tables.
The Colony Theater is an old theater with a steep slope to the floor. We were fairly high but had a great view and the acoustics were great. The show was very entertaining and never got draggy or boring. Well, okay, maybe there was some drag to it. It was an enjoyable afternoon.
I mentioned the Gay Men's Chorus of Miami to illustrate that when traveling, there is more to do then just lay on a beach and bar hop. The professional agents at Damron Vacations can help book your trip and also provide reference websites to complete your vacation experience.
We purchased our tickets on line at the Colony Theater on Lincoln Rad in South Beach. After my roommate returned from church, we drove the 45 minutes to South Beach. We had a nice lunch at one of our favorite places, wandered around some, bought calender and then went to the theater. Lincoln Road is a closed to traffic pedestrian mall lined with shops, bars and restaurants, most of which offer outside seating. It is very European in feel with multiple languages spoken at neighboring tables.
The Colony Theater is an old theater with a steep slope to the floor. We were fairly high but had a great view and the acoustics were great. The show was very entertaining and never got draggy or boring. Well, okay, maybe there was some drag to it. It was an enjoyable afternoon.
I mentioned the Gay Men's Chorus of Miami to illustrate that when traveling, there is more to do then just lay on a beach and bar hop. The professional agents at Damron Vacations can help book your trip and also provide reference websites to complete your vacation experience.
Friday, December 19, 2008
First week is over
Yes, I have made it through my first week after my vacation. It was not as bad as expected. There was not pile of uncompleted work on my desk, no voice mails that should have been handled, and very few emails. So the transition back to the real world was not too bad.
Of course, it is now time to start planning next years vacation. Since I will be here for a full year, I will get three weeks of vacation time as compared to the two this year. There is a very nice 14 night cruise from Buenos Aries to Santiago that looks interesting. That would be in December. I would like to get to Europe again, so who knows which will happen. Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, and Discovery Future Vacations will be a source for finding the perfect trip, whether it is a week in Paris or the South America cruise. The options are endless.
Of course, it is now time to start planning next years vacation. Since I will be here for a full year, I will get three weeks of vacation time as compared to the two this year. There is a very nice 14 night cruise from Buenos Aries to Santiago that looks interesting. That would be in December. I would like to get to Europe again, so who knows which will happen. Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, and Discovery Future Vacations will be a source for finding the perfect trip, whether it is a week in Paris or the South America cruise. The options are endless.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Birthday Cake
Today was my supervisor's birthday, so in the time honored tradition of celebrating, we had cake this afternoon. Today he turned 47 or 23 1/2 twice as he likes to put it. Though 50 is the new 30, or something like that. In February, he will celebrate his 22nd anniversary with the company. That is a long time. And he is not the only 20 plus employee, there are quite a few here. That tells a lot about the company, the management team must be doing something right. In the course of various C.E.O.s there have been great ones and some not so great as I have been told.
Right now we have one of the great ones. Nick is very visible on the reservation's floor. He stops by and chats, and makes himself available to any employee that needs him. Plus the additional day off next Friday is greatly appreciated. So if you need to find a place that treats its employees well, try job.travel, there are plenty of opportunities across the country
With the long weekend I might head down to Key West for Friday night. Just a quick little get away. I'll check out Damron Vacations and Future Vacations to check out any last minute deals. With it only a 4 hour drive, it is a nice little trip. The other option is Orlando, but that will be crowded with families on holiday break, so probably not the best place to be. Key West will be busy also, but with a different group of people, much less children.
Right now we have one of the great ones. Nick is very visible on the reservation's floor. He stops by and chats, and makes himself available to any employee that needs him. Plus the additional day off next Friday is greatly appreciated. So if you need to find a place that treats its employees well, try job.travel, there are plenty of opportunities across the country
With the long weekend I might head down to Key West for Friday night. Just a quick little get away. I'll check out Damron Vacations and Future Vacations to check out any last minute deals. With it only a 4 hour drive, it is a nice little trip. The other option is Orlando, but that will be crowded with families on holiday break, so probably not the best place to be. Key West will be busy also, but with a different group of people, much less children.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Long Weekends and Team work
With Christmas falling on a Thursday this year, it makes for a strange work week. Two full days, one leave early, one off, and back to regular for one last day and then the weekend. As a result, our executive team has decided to close the office on Friday. This will allow some of the staff a 4 day holiday weekend. The reservations department will return to normal on Saturday, or at least as normal as they can be. I can say that since I used to be part of the group. Thank you executive team.
On a visit to my old desk earlier today, I was asked by a co-worker about hotels in Rome. She was dealing with a prospective client for Damron Vacations, and needed some insight. I love Rome and have been three times in the past three years. I got out my guide book and maps to help determine the best hotel for her clients needs. I recommended a hotel for the first few nights since it is trendy and favored by stars and starlets. Never know who will be in Rome for the holidays. The second hotel she had selected was one that I have actually stayed in on my second trip to Rome. It is convenient to the train terminal, easy to get to the airport, and the section of town the client wanted. Hopefully by pitching in with my knowledge, the sale will go through.
With the economy in its current situation, people need to lend a hand, even if it falls outside the scope of their duties. No company will be able to survive with 'it's not my job' attitude these days. Team work goes along way in boosting morale.
So if your work where co-workers are reluctant to help, maybe it is time for a new work environment. Try job.travel, it's a new website for employment in the hospitality and travel industry. It covers a wide range of career paths and opportunities. And if you sudden find yourself faced with a loooonnnnnggg weekend, why not go somewhere? Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, and Discovery Future Vacations have some great last minute packages available, some with discounts up to $600!! And once you are all booked, don't forget about 2go.travel to keep track of your reservations and experiences.
On a visit to my old desk earlier today, I was asked by a co-worker about hotels in Rome. She was dealing with a prospective client for Damron Vacations, and needed some insight. I love Rome and have been three times in the past three years. I got out my guide book and maps to help determine the best hotel for her clients needs. I recommended a hotel for the first few nights since it is trendy and favored by stars and starlets. Never know who will be in Rome for the holidays. The second hotel she had selected was one that I have actually stayed in on my second trip to Rome. It is convenient to the train terminal, easy to get to the airport, and the section of town the client wanted. Hopefully by pitching in with my knowledge, the sale will go through.
With the economy in its current situation, people need to lend a hand, even if it falls outside the scope of their duties. No company will be able to survive with 'it's not my job' attitude these days. Team work goes along way in boosting morale.
So if your work where co-workers are reluctant to help, maybe it is time for a new work environment. Try job.travel, it's a new website for employment in the hospitality and travel industry. It covers a wide range of career paths and opportunities. And if you sudden find yourself faced with a loooonnnnnggg weekend, why not go somewhere? Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, and Discovery Future Vacations have some great last minute packages available, some with discounts up to $600!! And once you are all booked, don't forget about 2go.travel to keep track of your reservations and experiences.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Well the Holiday Season is upon us. Christmas. Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are right around the corner, Ramadan was back in September. All of these are festivals of light and new beginnings. It is a time when families usually get together to share happy times. It seems that cares seem to be less important once families gather. Of course, there is always one person that wants to bring down the spirit.
My memories of Christmas as a child involve a cardboard fireplace that was kept in the basement and reassembled for the holiday, and pajamas with feet, remember I grew up in New Jersey. Times have changed. As a child out Christmas tree would go up around the 22nd of December and come down after the first week of January. This based on the 12 Days of Christmas come after the holiday leading up to the Epiphany, the day the Magi arrived in Bethlehem. Now it seems that trees go up on the day after Thanksgiving, and come down either the afternoon of the 25th or the 26th. Seems to be tied more to the commercial aspects of the holiday than the significance.
With the economy in its current state, Christmas is going to be much more low key around the country than in the recent past. But is that really a bad thing? Isn't the holiday season more about togetherness than the price of gifts? Perhaps a family vacation is a better idea? Memories last a lot longer than gifts, and with on line picture galleries, photos can be shared with those that could not make the trip. Try Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, or Discovery Future Vacations for a last minute escape. I might only be for the long Christmas weekend, and taking the family car instead of flying. But it will still be a holiday to look back on and reminisce on long after the video game, iPod, or cell phone has been sold in a garage sale.
Have a Happy Holiday Season from the staff at job.travel.
My memories of Christmas as a child involve a cardboard fireplace that was kept in the basement and reassembled for the holiday, and pajamas with feet, remember I grew up in New Jersey. Times have changed. As a child out Christmas tree would go up around the 22nd of December and come down after the first week of January. This based on the 12 Days of Christmas come after the holiday leading up to the Epiphany, the day the Magi arrived in Bethlehem. Now it seems that trees go up on the day after Thanksgiving, and come down either the afternoon of the 25th or the 26th. Seems to be tied more to the commercial aspects of the holiday than the significance.
With the economy in its current state, Christmas is going to be much more low key around the country than in the recent past. But is that really a bad thing? Isn't the holiday season more about togetherness than the price of gifts? Perhaps a family vacation is a better idea? Memories last a lot longer than gifts, and with on line picture galleries, photos can be shared with those that could not make the trip. Try Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, or Discovery Future Vacations for a last minute escape. I might only be for the long Christmas weekend, and taking the family car instead of flying. But it will still be a holiday to look back on and reminisce on long after the video game, iPod, or cell phone has been sold in a garage sale.
Have a Happy Holiday Season from the staff at job.travel.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Back to Reality
Yes, it is over. The highly anticipated cruise is a thing of the past. Nothing left but memories, pictures and a credit card balance. Overall, it was wonderful. There were a few showers along the way, but being tropical in nature, they were over as quick as they started. Only one day was rainy and it was a day at sea, so not interruption of shore excursions.
This year we had a balcony cabin. It was fairly mid-ship and the first level of balconies. It was a nice room and I liked going out and watching the sea go by. Last year we had been upgraded to a suite, which was much larger. The food was wonderful, though Celebrity Cruise line is known for its menus.
Since I am a past guest aboard Celebrity, I was invited to the Captain's Club reception. I did get to meet the captain, the financial officer and the director of human resources. And being prepared, I did give him my card for job.travel, and explained the great cost saving it would provide.
Of the various ports of call, the Panama Canal was my favorite. Our excursion took us to the Gatun Locks, just as a ship was being raised to Gatun Lake from the Atlantic side. The little trains guided the ship from the second lock to the third. After it was in position, the gates closed and water was pumped in to raise the ship to the level of the lake. I found out that during the morning, ships enter Gatun Lake from both ends, and around mid-day, the directions switch and vessels exit the lake into either ocean. Cruise ships pay the highest toll, since they can 'jump line' to make their schedules.
We are already in the planning stages of next year's cruise. It will probably be Buenos Aries to Santiago with a swing by Antarctica, in December, so twelve months of waiting and saving. Remember, Future Vacations, Discovery Future Vacations and Damron Vacations offer all the major cruise lines and some small niche lines too. So if planning a big family reunion, or just a quick get away, check us out for some great deals.
This year we had a balcony cabin. It was fairly mid-ship and the first level of balconies. It was a nice room and I liked going out and watching the sea go by. Last year we had been upgraded to a suite, which was much larger. The food was wonderful, though Celebrity Cruise line is known for its menus.
Since I am a past guest aboard Celebrity, I was invited to the Captain's Club reception. I did get to meet the captain, the financial officer and the director of human resources. And being prepared, I did give him my card for job.travel, and explained the great cost saving it would provide.
Of the various ports of call, the Panama Canal was my favorite. Our excursion took us to the Gatun Locks, just as a ship was being raised to Gatun Lake from the Atlantic side. The little trains guided the ship from the second lock to the third. After it was in position, the gates closed and water was pumped in to raise the ship to the level of the lake. I found out that during the morning, ships enter Gatun Lake from both ends, and around mid-day, the directions switch and vessels exit the lake into either ocean. Cruise ships pay the highest toll, since they can 'jump line' to make their schedules.
We are already in the planning stages of next year's cruise. It will probably be Buenos Aries to Santiago with a swing by Antarctica, in December, so twelve months of waiting and saving. Remember, Future Vacations, Discovery Future Vacations and Damron Vacations offer all the major cruise lines and some small niche lines too. So if planning a big family reunion, or just a quick get away, check us out for some great deals.
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