CLARKONOMICS: The Senate has voted 98-0 to extend unemployment benefits between an additional 14 and 20 weeks for jobless Americans.

The 20-week extension will be for residents of states where unemployment is higher than 8.5 percent. (Editor's note: A complete list of these states will be added shortly.) Residents in the remaining states will be eligible for the 14-week extension.

The measure is expected to be approved by the House today and signed into law by President Obama shortly after. This move makes is so that those hardest hit by unemployment can get 99 weeks of jobless benefits, which is just shy of 2 years! The average weekly unemployment payment is around $300/week, according to Clark, though it varies greatly by location and prior earnings.

Ultimately, this is just a Band-Aid on the wound of people who want to work but can't because the job market won't bear it. As always, Clark believes an economic downturn is a great time to start your own business. Commercial space and employees both come cheap at a time like this.

Meanwhile, Congress has extended the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit through April 30. This is expected to be the final extension. In addition, there's a new expansion that will give $6,500 to existing homeowners who want to move up into another house. Income caps apply for the latter provision.

The unemployment rate continues to be just plain ugly across the country. The U6 level of unemployment is now at 17 percent.

U6 is a broad-gauge measurement that takes into account those who are involuntarily working part-time because they can't find full-time work and those who have given up looking for work out of sheer frustration.

The New York Times recently ran an article titled $13 an Hour? 500 Sign Up, 1 Wins a Job.

The upshot of the story is that a trucking company in Burns Harbor, Ind., posted an opening for an administrative assistant to do data entry and make photocopies.

Between 300 and 500 applications poured in overnight. The applicants included a a former I.B.M. business analyst with 18 years experience; a former director of human resources; and a master's degree holder with a dozen years on the job at accounting firm Deloitte & Touche.

We've all heard similar horror stories. It's been a brutal time out there in the job market. If you are unemployed, it feels like it will never get better. But don't start having doubts about yourself as a potential hire. There are opportunities right now.

CNNMoney.com reports the Best Jobs in America are the following:

1. Systems engineer

2. Physician assistant

3. College professor

4. Nurse practitioner

5. Information technology project manager

Jobs like these may all require more education on your part. As the economy flexes, you must flex too and obtain new skills, new training, a new trade, different certifications or a new profession.

It is very rare that the job training and skills you enter the workforce with will carry you through an entire lifetime. The typical person now has four distinct careers over a working lifetime. We're not talking about jobs, of which most people have 15; we're talking about four different careers per person!

Clark himself is on his third career. He began as a social worker, then started a travel agency chain and now works in the broadcast industry. So he has one more in front of him. What might that be?

Recent college graduates are moving back in with their parents or other relatives in huge numbers. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that it's happening to 80 percent of graduates. Worse yet, the graduates are beating themselves up over their unlucky plight.

Yet college grads need to realize they are not to blame. There are over seven million fewer jobs today than when the recession began in 2007, according to the Labor Department. In addition, people who are older and might have retired are continuing to work because their retirement savings have declined. So you have a real double whammy.

Stop beating yourself up, college graduates!

This past weekend, Clark spoke with a mid-career person who has been unemployed for some time because she took a buyout from her employer. She's too young to retire and now she's facing a lot of difficulty finding a new job.

Yet the jobs will come back, though Clark does not have a magic date as to when they'll appear again. Economists say the rates of job losses are declining, which is good, but we're not yet seeing that full-scale turnaround in employment.

Meanwhile, many college graduates will attempt to use social networking sites like Facebook to help find work. Social networking represents a great opportunity to e-network, but you should beware of scams. Use those kinds of sites with extreme care.

CLARKONOMICS: The brainiacs are saying the recession is over, citing a rise in corporate confidence and a spike in orders being placed. But it's not yet the real healing that individuals and families so desperately need on the job front.

For the foreseeable future, the job market will continue to be tough. That leaves many people in unexpected positions. Clark recently talked with a woman who was unemployed for some time. After a few minutes, it emerged that she had not applied for unemployment compensation because she was too proud.

Unemployment compensation should not be a dirty word in your vocabulary; insurers pay this insurance during good times so people can survive during lean times.

Three factors make this an extremely tough cycle. First, individuals went into the recession with big debt. Second, banks took on too much speculative debt and harmed our nation to its core. Third, the federal government has taken on massive borrowing as a result of the first two factors. Yet the government's artificial props for the economy will eventually have to be dealt with. We can't keep printing money!

So know that it is legitimate for you to seek assistance in this economy. Here are two key takeaways:

• Do not allow pride or embarrassment to keep you from applying for unemployment compensation.

• Do not be afraid to rely on food stamps to put square meals on the table for your family.

More and more employers are weighing job candidates based on their credit report -- even though it's no indicator of what kind of employee someone will be!

This is a practice that started and should have ended with bank tellers and cashiers at retail stores -- basically, people who touch money every day. But now so many businesses check credit reports without thinking it through. In fact, your application often gives them permission to pull your credit.

The real problem is that many credit reports have errors. Public Interest Research Group estimates that close to one-third of reports contain serious errors that can cost you a job offer or prevent you from getting new credit.

This is yet another reason why you should visit AnnualCreditReport.com to pull one of your three credit reports every four months. Remember, you have a credit report from each of the three main credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Paying off any small nagging debts will immediately help your credit. But if you have errors, be sure to challenge them. When you challenge an error, it temporarily removes it for 30 days. Contact the alleged creditor by phone and in writing to dispute the debt. They're liable for putting false info on your report if you can demonstrate financial harm, such as the loss of a job offer.

CLARKONOMICS: Unemployment benefits are likely to be extended by 13 weeks in the 27 states that have been hardest hit by joblessness.

These states include Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Again, this has not been signed into law yet, but it is a bill that's destined to become law very soon.

We are in a cycle that likely won't see a decent recovery in the job market until 2011 or 2012. Clark says this reluctantly because, for the unemployed, taking 2010 off the table is dispiriting. The reality is that in 2010 we'll reach equilibrium between job losses and job gains. But we won't see a true recovery until a year or two out beyond that point.

When employers begin hiring after the recession, it will likely be with more contract work than full-time employment. This looks set to be the start of a long-term trend; you may be signed to a 90-day or 1-year contract.

Basically, employers want the ability to grow or shrink their work force at will according to how business is doing.

Another benefit for employers is that they can sidestep the messiness of layoffs with contract workers. The issue simply becomes will they offer you a new contract or won't they? Much nicer than having to "let more heads roll," which is never a pleasant experience.

Contract employment has long been very popular in Europe and Japan.

Let's face it, the social contract of lifetime employment -- where we worked for one employer who provided a pension -- has long ago faded away. Contract employment is just one more recognition that employers rent us and we rent them for a period of time.

And it's definitely something of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it becomes more difficult to make longterm plans. How can you buy a house and stay in it for a minimum of 5 years (as Clark recommends) when you don't know if you'll be employed? Yet on the other hand it creates more hiring opportunities in a capitalist system.

Yet here's the ultimate downside: One thing you can't measure is how loyal an employee will be and how customer-focused they'll be when they know their employer hasn't made a commitment to them.

The official unemployment rate is now 9.7 percent, which is moving dangerously close to the psychologically devastating 10 percent mark. At the same time, teenage unemployment is at an all-time high with roughly 26 percent of teens unemployed.

Meanwhile, U6 -- the broadest gauge of unemployment -- is edging closer to 17 percent. U6 takes into account those who are involuntarily working part-time because they can't find full-time work and those who have given up looking for work. That means 1 in 6 Americans who want a traditional full-time job can't find one.

Without a doubt, the employment thing will be a slow recovery. That's why it's important to remember that jobs are always a lagging indicator of the recovery, as Clark previously explained.

One positive indicator is that temp agencies say they're getting called more often by employers. So yes, there is a recovery underway, but nobody knows how long it will last or how strong it will be.

Yet opportunity comes up in unexpected places. The big, bad federal government has some nearly 300,000 "mission critical" positions that must be filled over the next several years. Medical, intelligence and defense are among the hottest areas of federal hiring.

Beyond that, there are another 300,000 jobs that not considered critical fills, which account for normal turnover and vacancies created by retirement.

USAJobs.gov is the official clearinghouse for federal hiring.

In addition, technological advances will create new types of jobs. For example, clean energy -- whether you agree with it or not -- will translate to jobs such as the retrofitting of residential and commercial real estate for new green standards.

On that note, Clark says the time may be right for solar energy at your home. As he previously reported, there's an oversupply of panels, which drives the price down, and there are also some attractive federal tax credits to install them. Could this be another employment opportunity for jobless construction workers?

When one door closes, you've got to find an open window!

CLARKONOMICS: The national unemployment rate has risen to 9.5% from 9.4%, a move that's actually considered to be good news since the jump is less than expected!

One factor that has been tough is lengthier unemployment. One-third of those who are laid off have been unemployed for half a year or longer, according to one report.

So often when we can't find a job, it's natural to think, "What's wrong with me?" This statistic about serial unemployment could be a positive; it lets us know that there's nothing wrong with us as individuals. We're just caught in a bad economic cycle.

For too long, our economy defied the natural cycles of ups and downs with too many false positives. There was a flood of foreign money that propped things up and created extra cheap borrowing conditions. That allowed companies to borrow on the cheap and overbuild.

So as a result, we'll have to go through a period where it will be harder to find jobs. We have to get the fundamental health of the economy back on track and that will take some time.

Meanwhile, the average wage that people make is going nowhere. Historically, wages rise a few points each year and generally stay ahead of inflation. But right now they're flat. That means you might have to tighten your belt even if you're employed. In addition, your hours may be reduced.

And when will this all be over? The whole cycle is a long term play into 2020, Clark believes. We could have some good cycles over the next decade, but the true rehabilitation will take that long.

Employers are seeking skilled laborers in a number of targeted job fields, according to The New York Times.

Such fields and professions include welding, electrical linemen, special education teachers, geo-technical engineers, respiratory therapists, civil engineers and occupational therapists.

One additional thought from Clark. If you are in nursing school, the consumer champ recommends pursing a DNP (doctor of nurse practitioner) degree. Over time, the DNPs will take over primary care.

Today's economy means that you have to look at education and career training as a lifelong pursuit. The old historical model of going to school and then permanently working in one field just doesn't fit the reality today. Our economy is changing and dynamic. New opportunities present themselves when old jobs become obsolete or unavailable.

Will you take advantage of what's on the horizon?

The reality of unemployment is getting uglier across the country, according to new stats from the Labor Department.

Michigan has it the worst. There's practically nobody left in the state and of those left, 1 in 7 are unemployed! That's a 14.1% unemployment rate.

Oregon (12.4%) is second worst, while the No. 3 slot goes to Rhode Island and South Carolina. Beyond that, Nevada, California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and almost the entire Southeast are all ailing on the job front.

So where are things going well? Other than in New Hampshire, it's mostly the heartland and all its contiguous states. North Dakota is king, as is South Dakota. Other heartland areas with low unemployment rates include Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma -- what's commonly called flyover country.

This recession is interesting in that Americans are generally not picking up and moving for opportunity. Why? Nobody can get out of their house with their shirt on.

Clark predicts our current national unemployment rate of 9.4% will rise to somewhere around 11%. Yet he also thinks we'll have an inkling of economic recovery after Labor Day. But jobs will be a lagging indicator of the recovery, for reasons that he previously explained.

A bad credit reputation may keep you from getting a job in a tough market. The best guess is that between 40% and 50% of employers are running credit checks on "would be" employees. And we're not just talking about for jobs in the financial sector.

However, a study from Eastern Kentucky University finds that there's no correlation between credit score and job performance.

So employers are going into battle with the wrong weapon. They're listening to their human resources departments that say to run a credit score on all potential hires -- even though it's a meaningless indicator. Silly, silly, silly.

Meanwhile, to add insult to injury, The Los Angeles Times reports that 1 in 3 credit reports may contain serious errors.

Remember, you're free to see your credit reports once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you find an error, you must dispute it with the individual credit bureau and the issuer of the credit. Be sure to file both disputes at the same time.

Send all supporting evidence via certified mail and tell the credit issuer that you'll sue them for fiscal damages if the fix is not made in a timely manner.

Don't trust the bureau itself to launch an investigation into your claim of an error. Their version of an "investigation" is sending an electronic transmittal to the credit issuer and asking if the info they have is correct. Sherlock Holmes they're definitely not!

The long-held wisdom of wage stickiness is faltering in the midst of the recession as unemployment rises.

Wage stickiness holds that it's better to layoff some workers and preserve the wages of those who remain -- instead of cutting everyone's wages to ensure there are no layoffs.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas -- a leading outplacement consulting firm -- conducted a survey in January that found 1 in 4 employers favored wage freezes over cutting heads.

Now, Challenger's May update of the same survey finds that number has more than doubled in 5 months, according to The Wall Street Journal. This time around, more than half of the employers asked are now doing wage freezes or pay cuts instead of firing workers.

Clark has long believed that workplace morale is devastated when there's a pay cut or a salary freeze. But it just doesn't seem to be so any longer.

Perhaps it's because so many of us know someone who got laid off. Now we're happy to keep our jobs at 80 or 90 cents on the dollar. The alternative -- facing a lay off where our income dwindles to zero -- is just too bleak.

Of course, the penny-pincher's challenge to you at a time like this is make sure you can get by on less. That means reducing debt and building a cushion of savings.

We're hearing so much talk of how this is an equal opportunity recession -- how no matter what you make or where you work, you might lose your job.

That kind of talk is being coupled with chatter about how a college degree may no longer be of value, that it's better to learn a trade or a skill.

Is it true? Have we reached a watershed moment where college no longer pays off? No way, according to an article in The Orlando Sentinel.

Here's the rundown: Unemployment among people with bachelor's degrees is at 4.4%, while the national rate is hovering around 9%. Meanwhile, for those who dropped out of high school, the rate of unemployment is sitting around 15%!

Degrees are not bulletproof -- you still could be pink-slipped -- but they give you some level of assurance against joblessness.

Mind you, this is not to belittle those who skip the traditional school route and learn a trade. College, after all, is not for everyone.

It's what Clark calls "the nothingness" that's problematic -- not finishing high school, not going to college or not having a specific skill or trade.

With the dreaded liberal arts degree, you're not qualified on paper to do anything. Yet plenty of people still forge a career path with liberal arts degrees.

Christa, for example, was an English major who worked as a receptionist once she got out of school. But she was able to seize an opportunity to work at AOL during the company's heyday.

From there, she went to work for Clark launching the first incarnation of his website. And then eventually she became executive producer for the show. It was a haphazard path that wouldn't have worked without a degree.

So don't believe the hype; college still matters.

CLARKONOMICS: Some of those who get laid off during the recession are using the time to volunteer, pursue something they're passionate about or just goof off for an indeterminate period.

It's being called "funemployment" by The Los Angeles Times

Clark recently shared the stat that 25% of those who get laid off are happier after the cut than they were while working. How many of us are in "gilded cages," where we've long since lost the enthusiasm for our jobs and just show up to collect a paycheck?

Of course, a lay off needn't necessarily be a license for hedonism. If you have the means, you can use the downtime to launch a business and become your own boss.

There are always opportunities when you have a vision that others don't.

One of the most-viewed stories on The Chicago Tribune website recently had an eye-popping headline that read, "Laid Off? You'll Likely Never Make as Much."

The reality is that many people end up happier following a layoff than they were before. They're often more stimulated by their new work or earn more money. Even The Chicago Tribune's otherwise pessimistic article grudgingly admits that this happens to about 1 in 4 people.

It's a sign of the times that an article like this would get so many eyeballs. But economies go in cycles and things will get better down the road -- as scary as it may be to get laid off today.

Clark himself got laid off in college at a time when he was paying his way through school. It took him time to find another job. But he did eventually land on his feet.

Clark has long believed high tax states suffer mightily as entrepreneurs and large businesses naturally move away because of unfavorable tax policies. In his mind, it's a simple issue of business wanting to follow the path of least resistance and keep more of each dollar it generates.

Now his belief is substantiated in a new study out of Ohio University, according to The Wall Street Journal. Over the course of 10 years, the study found that states with no state income tax created 89% more jobs than states with high taxes. Personal income was also 32% larger in states with no state income tax.

And it's not just geography that's a factor here; states with no tax are all over the country.

Look at New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts as an example. New Hampshire has steadily gained more company headquarters and entrepreneurs as people flee neighboring "Taxachusetts" and Vermont to cross the border into the "Live Free of Die" state.

More than 1,100 people move from the 9 highest income tax states to states with no income tax every single day. But it's not only states that are competing with each other for residents and businesses. Jobs can migrate around the globe, so we need to keep our taxes low to retain the best opportunities.

States may have to make the difficult decision to offer fewer services instead of raising taxes. Government can't provide everything we want without consequence.

CLARKONOMICS: Consumer prices continue to drop, unemployment is likely headed a bit higher and defaults on credit cards may hit all-time highs. At the same time, there are clear signs of recovery in the global economy.

Britain, France, Italy and China all officially considered to be out of the recession now. Yet even when our recovery comes, it won't necessarily be rosy on the job front for awhile.

People often wonder why jobs are a lagging indicator of economic recovery. It's quite simple really. When business contracts, employers start laying people off. But when things pick back up again, they start with the overtime instead of rehiring new employees.

That approach only works for so long until you exhaust your existing workers, and that's when you have to start hiring again.

Complicating an employment recovery is the fact that Americans are not relocating for job opportunities in the numbers they once historically did. The difference with this recession is that no one can afford to get out of their house.

But if you can relocate, there are great opportunities in "flyover country" like Wyoming, the Dakotas and other heartland states.

Of course, select fields continue to have great opportunities anywhere you look, such as medicine and government. Both fields need people with a wide range of skills. USAJobs.gov is the official clearinghouse for government jobs.

CLARKONOMICS: Recently, Clark read about an economist who jokingly called the glum state of our economy a "hecession" instead of a recession.

That's because the job losses are mainly hitting men. The Financial Times of London reports men account for 80% of the jobs that were lost since the recession began in 2007. That's over 4 million jobs lost by men vs. only 1 million lost by women. The male unemployment rate is just under 9%, while it's around 7% for women.

The reasoning behind these numbers is simple. Some of the hardest-hit sectors of the economy -- construction and manufacturing -- have been male-dominated. Women, meanwhile, tend to dominate in the relatively unscathed sectors of education and healthcare. In fact, we are on the cusp of reaching a level where more women are employed than men across the country.

But here's the good news. When the economy does recover -- and that's a "when," not an "if" -- the men who took the brunt of the hit will go back to work. Because they tend to have higher salaries than women, there will be a very positive boomerang effect that should be greater than stats suggest.

But you've also got to recognize that many manufacturing jobs are not coming back. And in construction, we'll need a smaller industry in the future than what existed in the past.

So men might want to use this downtime for education and retraining in a new career.

Finally, unemployment varies so much by region. California and North Carolina are two of the hardest-hit states. If you're looking for where the jobs are, think about "flyover" country like North and South Dakota and other heartland states.

CLARKONOMICS: Lost your job recently and don't know how to tell your children?

Clark has some direct experience here that he'd like to share. The consumer champ is fond of saying that he grew up on "the silver spoon plan" with a very comfortable upbringing. But while attending college back in the '70s, he came home one Thanksgiving to discover his father had lost his job.

Suddenly, there would be no more money to pay for his education. His father was stressed over how to break the news to his son. Yet Clark took it all in stride. He responded by saying he would just get a full-time job and work his way through school at night. His father's mind was eased very quickly.

So often we as parents are afraid to share news about a loss of income with our children because we fear it will uproot their world. But that's not always the case. In Clark's instance, having to pay his own way really taught him valuable lessons about the value of hard work.

Be sure to say age-appropriate things to your children if you're discussing a layoff. For younger kids, they'll just want to know that they'll still be able to eat. You might also let them know that they'll be getting to see more of you -- rather than less of you -- in the near future.

For teens, however, a layoff means you may not be able to provide what they got used to you providing. You are only responsible for the safety and welfare of your children; that does not include giving them money to go to the movies or the mall.

A parent's layoff can actually be a surefire cure for "affluenza" -- that modern American disease of having too much stuff and too much money that afflicts some kids.

Remember that your kids are resilient and will probably be able to handle the news better than you expect.

So where are the jobs these days? If you're speaking geographically, they're in the heartland at places like North Dakota and South Dakota. This is a major reversal from the last few decades where job growth was on the two coasts and throughout the Sun Belt.

Yet one employer seems to have continuous hiring needs all around the country. This should actually come as no surprise -- it's the federal government.

As government grows larger, there is obviously a need for more employees. In addition, there are waves of older employees getting ready to retire. Most of them were originally hired on during former President Johnson's Great Society initiatives in the '60s.

And here's a secret about federal hiring: Back when our nation had a population of 200 million, there was a cap on the number of non-military civilian federal employees. That cap was set at 2 million or 1% of the population.

Now that our nation is more than 300 million strong, will that cap be bumped up to 3 million? Or will the cap hold steady and most of the extra government work go through contractors? It's anyone's guess.

One final note: The federal screening process can be very confusing to those in the private sector. Clark recommends networking with anyone you can find -- a relative, a friend or even an acquaintance at your house of worship -- who is already in the system.

A new quarterly survey from Forbes has come up with a tally of the best and worst places to seek work in spring 2009.

Among the best spots:

Yakima, Wash.
Kennewick, Wash.
Anchorage, Alaska
Amarillo, Texas
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Barnstable Town, Mass.

Meanwhile, the cities with the worst job outlooks:

Cape Coral--Ft. Myers, Fla.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Miami--Fort Lauderdale--Pompano Beach, Fla.
Santa Barbara--Santa Maria--Goleta, Calif.
Naples--Marco Island, Fla.
Los Angeles--Long Beach--Santa Ana, Calif.
Charleston, S.C.
Tallahassee, Fla.
Hickory--Lenior--Morganton, N.C.

It may not be practical for you to just pick up and leave in search of a better job. However, Americans historically have been migratory when it comes to job opportunity.

In his continuing efforts to be a resource for the unemployed and the underemployed, Clark wants to share the findings of a recent Washington Post report about who is hiring.

Ever thought about being a spy? The CIA and other spy agencies are constantly in need of new hires. However, most of the jobs are not exactly the stuff 007's dreams are made of. In fact, Clark recalls working as a bill collector years ago and being sent to collect at the National Security Agency. Most of the employees he saw were doing administrative tasks at the office!

Then there's always the old standby of healthcare. This sector is constantly hot as our population continues aging.

Other sectors that are hiring include engineering, biotech and software design. For example, Washington D.C.-based Northrop Grumman, which deals with software development and network security, is soon planning to hire 4,000 new employees.

One final word of caution: People tend to gravitate toward big companies to apply for work. That's a real fool's errand, according to Clark. Why? Well, as companies get larger, they mostly hire through attrition. So the bulk of the real hiring happens at companies you've never heard of in sectors you never thought of.

Meanwhile, many universities are making a new effort to help out-of-work alums because they want to create a new sense of loyalty and attract donation dollars when the tide turns.

CLARKONOMICS: The official unemployment figure for February now sits at 8.1%; that means roughly 1 in 12 Americans are without work. And it's likely to rise to somewhere between 10% and 12% before this whole recession is through.

But there is a second stat that economists watch even more closely called the U-6. This number measures those who have been laid off from full-time work and may have to work two part-time jobs to make ends meet, plus those who have simply given up looking for work because it seems like the jobs just aren't there.

The U-6 rate is just under 15%. Clark thinks this figure could go to somewhere between 18% and 19% when you extrapolate based on his projections about the official unemployment rate.

Let's face it, unemployment is not a vacation. The days feel like weeks, the weeks like months and the months like years. So often we measure our self-worth by our livelihood. Yet we are so much more than whatever job we do.

Recovery will eventually come, but it probably won't be in 2009. Clark recently spoke about the nearly $4 trillion that people have just sitting on the sidelines in money market funds. When that investor psychology turns and people put their money back in the market, that's going to be another key to us starting to lick this unemployment problem.

Sitting alone behind your computer and sending out resumes is only one approach to finding work. See Clark's list of freelancing websites and his work-at-home guide for more assistance.

And don't underestimate the power of networking face-to-face with contacts!

Many people who are unemployed are spending their time in isolation hunkered down behind a computer while searching for job postings and sending out resumes.

Wrong move, says Clark.

The consumer champ has a strong bias for the old-fashioned way of job hunting where people meet in support groups to encourage each other.

Fortunately, the two approaches are no longer mutually exclusive. The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported on a new website called LaidOffCamp that presents a free opportunity for people to get together and network across the country.

This is essentially day camp for those who have been laid off and want to know how to get moving. It's described as "an ad-hoc gathering of unemployed and nontraditionally employed people (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups) who want to share ideas and learn from each other…Attendees will discuss topics in sessions that may include: living on an extreme budget, building your personal brand, how to be a freelance consultant and more."

LaidOffCamp is traveling around the country with meetings coming together in New York, San Diego, Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Washington D.C. and elsewhere. You can even host a camp gathering in your town!

Unemployment support groups are an old concept, but people are not using them this time around because they think the Internet replaces everything else. It doesn't. The Internet is only a tool for communication and research. The most important thing at a time like this is using the Internet as a way to reach out to others a la things like LaidOffCamp.

Clark is making it part of his new mission to be a resource for the unemployed and the underemployed during this tough economic cycle.

The conventional wisdom about education and employment -- as your level of education rises, the less likely you are to be impacted by lay-offs -- has been completely flipped on its head this time around. This recession knows no boundaries in terms of education, skill level, training or years on the job.

If you have skills of a certain nature, try picking up some consulting work (aka freelancing) on a per-job basis. The Internet offers a variety of sites that hook freelancers up with employers. The San Francisco Chronicle's Tom Abate has compiled a list of such websites, including the following ones:

• eLance.com
• oDesk.com
• Guru.com
• crowdSPRING.com

These sites are being called "virtual hiring halls" because they're a modern adaptation of the union hall idea where workers would go to await job orders.

Are you unemployed and looking for work? Clark recently saw some new suggestions in The Boston Globe about job sites that can aid in your search.

Screen-scraper sites like SimplyHired.com and Indeed.com both aggregate content from all the traditional job sites like Monster and Yahoo! Jobs. They're one-stop shops that the traditional job sites hate, but you should love because they make job hunting a cinch.

In addition, The Boston Globe recommends several specialty sites for specific fields. BioSpace.com is geared toward the science and biotechnology fields; Idealist.org focuses on the non-profit charity world; and for those who are 50 years or older there's a site called WorkForce50.com.

While the computer is a great tool for job hunters, Clark thinks personal contact is especially important during a period of unemployment. Too often, we hide behind the computer and that's just not enough.

The consumer champ calls networking "a lost art" and encourages job seekers to attend networking groups at community centers or houses of worship. There you can meet others who are also looking for work and share leads, polish your resume and more.

CLARKONOMICS: Our nation is fast accelerating into a state of deceleration. More than 3 million people lost jobs over the past year. Meanwhile, our new unemployment rate is 7.6%.

It's been a false economics of borrowed money that had boosted our economy in recent years. Our family debt now sits at 141% of our annual family income. Only 30% of us own our own home free and clear. And it's not just the households. The government and corporations both borrowed quite heavily.

Clark is not a fan of the concept of stimulus packages. If the problem is that we owe too much money, we don't solve that by having the government turn around and borrow, right?

So what do we do? Well, the economy has to be given time to correct. In the meantime, we've got to cushion the blow the unemployed are feeling with extended jobless benefits and more money for food stamps. Basically, Clark argues that we need to bolster programs that provide a social safety net.

We're only hurting our long-term chances of recovery if we spend a fortune on a stimulus package right now.

Clark is intrigued by the way the economic theory of wage stickiness is playing out in today's economy.

Wage stickiness holds that it is better to layoff some workers and preserve the wages of those who remain vs. cutting everyone's wages to ensure there are no layoffs. Economists favor the former approach because they believe it's better for worker morale.

But a recent poll question on ClarkHoward.com found that -- given the choice -- most of you prefer the opposite of wage stickiness. The overwhelming number of respondents said that they'd rather everyone take a haircut at work to ensure there would be no beheadings.

So are the economists just plain wrong? Or is that in these uncharted economic waters, we realize the next one who gets canned could be us…and it's better to have 90% of a loaf than none at all? Perhaps there's another reason people want to see headcounts preserved at work; nobody wants to be part of a skeleton crew of survivors who have double or triple the normal workload!

Whatever the motivating factor, your fellow citizens are more mature and responsible than they get credit for being.

For example, one of Clark's radio colleagues hit a ratings mark that qualified him for a huge bonus. Management told him that they could give him the bonus he earned fair and square -- but they'd have to let go of 7 staffers to be able to afford it. Though he'll never admit it, the man did the honorable thing and agreed to give up his bonus rather than see people fired.

When times are tough for businesses, the economic theory of "wage stickiness" holds that it is better to lay some workers off and preserve the wages of those who remain vs. cutting everyone's wages to ensure there are no layoffs.

But some employers are experimenting with flipping that equation on its head. Instead of doing layoffs, they're cutting wages across the board and preserving the headcount.

What do you think? Be sure to vote in Clark's poll and let him know.

Executive producer Christa and associate producer Joel both agree that they'd prefer pay cuts to layoffs. Economists, however, disagree with both of them, arguing that the hit morale takes as your check shrinks is very severe. But as Christa counters, having a skeleton staff that has to do twice the work is depressing too.

We'll leave you with this very inspirational story from Clark's past: When he owned his travel agency, one of his corporate clients was in dire financial straits. The office manager at the company believed so much in the company that she went off the payroll for 2 years. She lived on her husband's salary and actually worked for free for 24 months. When the company recovered, she got her retroactive pay, plus another 50% for her loyalty!

With the rise in unemployment, Clark wants to lay out a strategy you can use if you get laid off.

• Do not be reluctant to file for unemployment insurance. There's nothing shameful about it. Employers pay premiums over time during the good years to provide for those who get laid off in lean times. It's not beneath you to accept this insurance money.

• If you are hit with a layoff, it's likely that an immediate superior who is familiar with your performance will break the news to you. That's the best time to negotiate on your own behalf. Think through what you want to ask for when it comes to health coverage and severance (if applicable). Ask for a personal letter of reference to assist in your job hunt.

• Looking for work is a full-time job. You need an action plan. Start by reviewing your list of contacts, but heed these words: People don't like to be called and asked if there's a job. However, they love to give advice that may lead to an opportunity. Visit in person with your contacts if possible.

• Triage your finances so you know which debts to prioritize and which to neglect if your money runs out. Paying for your car is central to finding employment for most people. It's practically higher than paying your mortgage or rent. You many need to live with friends or relatives until you can get back on your feet. What shouldn't you prioritize paying? Your credit cards!

Did it seem like your wallet was getting magically thinner in recent times? That's because of the effects of inflation. Surprisingly, that trend has now reversed on a dime. In fact, we just had the greatest decline in costs since the 1940s.

When inflation is low, the dollar you earn has more impact for you. If your raises at work haven't been keeping up with inflation, well, you may now see a reversal of fortunes. This year, you'll actually have increased buying power on what you now earn.

Meanwhile, employers have learned that if you cut wages and decimate morale, you may lose more in productivity than you gain in saved wages. The traditionally accepted practice is to thin out the herd and then preserve the wages of those who remain.

We hear a constant litany of headlines about layoffs. Larger companies will trumpet their layoff announcements because it plays out well on Wall Street. After all, investors anticipate that a company reducing its overhead should be able to deliver more profits next quarter. But the problem so often with playing to Wall Street is that you can lose employees who would make you more money over time.

CLARKONOMICS: A recent survey of economists finds that they unanimously agree that there is a recession and it began back in April. However, they disagree on how severe things will get going forward. Some economists think unemployment will rise from our current level of around 6.5% to 7.5%, while others think it could go up to 10%. That's a gloomy outlook either way.

You probably know someone who got laid off. It may even be you. People often ask Clark how long the tough times will go on. Many Americans weren't old enough to remember the recessions of the early-to-mid '70s and the early '80s. Both represented a new low and were the worst since the Great Depression.

But modern recessions -- even when they have significant unemployment -- tend not to last too long. In fact, economists think this current one won't be extra long because of all the bailout money being pumped into the economy. The best guesstimates are that tough times won't last longer than mid-to-late next year or until 2010 at the latest.

Looking from a historical perspective, we had a recession that started in 1873 and lasted for 6 years. The duration was so intense because there were no financial instruments available to shorten the length and severity. No food stamps, no unemployment compensation, no bailouts. Today, we have modern adaptations to prevent a complete meltdown.

In looking for new angles to cover the recession, reporters have begun talking to shrinks about the panic their clients are feeling. Clark doesn't want to belittle those feelings, but if you are dejected, remember that you still probably have food to eat and access to shelter (even if your own home is in foreclosure).

So, yes we will have more difficulty going forward, but you've got to be realistic about the degree of difficulty and have some perspective on it.

CLARKONOMICS: Clark wants to issue a special challenge to churches and other religious organizations ahead of what is likely to be a trend of rising unemployment.

At just a little over 6%, unemployment remains low today compared to historical numbers. But odds are fairly good that we may see it rise to between 8.5% or 9%. Some places like Michigan and Rhode Island may be there already, with California following closely behind.

In the past, churches, synagogues and other religious institutions have offered people a place to network during times of high unemployment. In Clark's estimation, the Internet and its networking forums just don't have the same touch as a brick-and-mortar building where you can go to share bumps in the road with others seeking work.

So our nation's religious institutions should look to fill that role again. There's also going to be a great need for counseling. People are more likely to hurt themselves during times of higher unemployment. They may feel a lowered sense of self-esteem; we perceive our value as being based on what vocation we have. It may not be true, but it is how we feel in America.

If you are facing unemployment, realize that it probably stems from larger economic tides and it is not a reflection of you.

Likewise, if you know a friend or family member facing unemployment, reach out to them regularly. Some people may need financial help. The big houses we Americans have can be put to good use if a loved one is evicted or foreclosed upon and needs a place to stay. We tend to look to government to take care of us, but the state can't do what we can do as a family.

Having said all that, Clark wants to emphasize that we are not headed toward a wave of mass unemployment in the 20% range that would suggest a depression.

A new survey from the American Management Association reveals workers are more productive and happier if they're treated with kindness and respect by a boss. Duh, no big surprise there!

This flies in the face of the school of thought that says you should manage by fear and intimidation. We've all worked for someone like that, haven't we?

When he owned a travel agency, Clark did everything he could to make his employees happy. Every year, he took 25% of his profits and spread them out as bonuses among the workers. As a result, his turnover was near zero. Employees knew they were part of the team.

He also gave employees free postage because human nature is what is and employees usually steal postage. In addition, he offered unlimited free soft drinks and other beverages. Clark knew a thirsty employee would be gone 20 minutes in search of a beverage.

No one system is right for every employer. But if you do special things for your employees, they'll do special things for your customers in return. As an example, Clark's employees might deliver an airline ticket to a customer on the way home because they wanted to see the business do well. Clark calls it "enlightened self interest." Romance your employees and they'll romance your customers.

Clark has a bias in favor of states that run a fiscally efficient house. He believes that's the way to position your state for growth and prosperity over time. Texas is one place that really fits the bill; there is no state income tax. That creates a favorable environment for businesses to set up shop. Let's face it, states compete with each other for employers and jobs just like nations.

Is it any wonder that the Lone Star State has more Fortune 500 companies than any other? The tax issue isn't the only determining factor, but Clark believes it's the most important one. That's why ultra-high tax state New York -- traditionally the center of business and finance -- has seen an exodus of major corporations for years. The Empire State's loss has been Texas' gain, as the latter has been a major job growth center for the last 8 years.

If you're a business owner, you want to go to a place where the government won't take too much of your paycheck. Look at talk radio, for example. Many hosts reside in Florida regardless of where their show originates. That's because Florida is also a no state income tax domicile. By comparison, New York City and state taxes can eat up some 11% of your paycheck.

One corollary of note: If you reduce taxes, you must take the bitter pill of also reducing spending. Part of our federal mess is that the president and Congress reduced taxes while increasing spending. If you want one, you've got to do the other.

In the midst of all the doom and gloom about employment forecasts, Clark recently told you about certain opportunities in the job market. But there's an underground opportunity just around the corner that could go mainstream in the next few years. You've heard of white collar and blue collar jobs, right? Well, how about green collar?!

There could be potentially millions of jobs coming in the environmental sector. Clark thinks back to the UC Davis professor he had on the air who worked for 20 years to develop plug-in hybrids. These kinds of cars start out electric and then switch to gas when they run out of juice. After years of pooh-poohing plug-ins, GM is now advertising a plug-in called the Volt coming in 2010. Likewise, Toyota spent years being hostile to the idea of modifying the Prius to be a plug-in hybrid. Now they're going to launch that version in 2010 for fleet sales before entering the general market with it.

Here's another example of a green business: Our old electronic waste is often shipped to Third World countries where kids disassemble computer monitors and get exposed to dangerous chemicals. Clark recently read a Forbes story about an independently wealthy man who thought there had to be a better way. So he launched a business called ERI (Electronic Recyclers International) in Fresno, CA. ERI employs ex-convicts who follow safety standards in taking equipment apart and recycling it. It's been a real money-making venture. And it also benefits ex-cons by providing employment and opportunity for those who haven't had much in their lives.

Look around each corner and you'll see green opportunities going forward. Clark thinks retro-fitting houses to make them energy efficient will employ those laid off in construction. Bringing home green by working green will soon be more of a reality.

As Clark recently explained, workers are normally entitled to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. But a new federal law now extends that coverage through 39 weeks. If you've exhausted your 26 weeks and still haven't found work, contact your state's Department of Labor to apply for the extension. If you're already in the midst of your original 26-week benefits, you'll likely just be extended through 39 weeks.

Meanwhile, The Career Journal reports a number of people are going into altruistic jobs. Applications for the Peace Corps are up just under 20%. Teach for America applications are up 36%. Even the Jesuit Volunteer Corps is experiencing a surge in applicants.

People are using today's sluggish economy as an opportunity to take time out from their career and try something different. If you've hit a career roadblock, can you try moving forward in a new way?

In a time when unemployment is rising and layoffs are spreading, many people assess where they want to live and where they can make their money go the furthest. Americans have always been a migratory people when the chance to follow opportunity arises.

Salary.com has done a new survey of the American cities where your paycheck will stretch the most. At the top of the list sits a suburb of Dallas called Plano, TX. The No. 2 spot was nabbed by a Denver suburb known as Aurora, CO.

One shocker on the list (for Clark) was Seattle at No. 10. He's always considered the Emerald City a very costly place to live, but then again, salaries are high throughout the area.

The single worst place to live (relative to salary) is New York, followed by Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and others. Several California cities figure into the very bottom of the list.

Salary.com also offers a feature where -- if you have a job offer in another city -- you can plug in the salary and see where that puts you to afford everyday life.

Clark recently put out a call to corporate America for more businesses to adopt the 4-day work week. With such a schedule, employees work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. That means a savings in fuel, reduction of air pollution and improvement in employee morale/retention.

Some employers also offer flex hours. With flex hours, there's a core of the day that employees must be on the job. The rest of the day can then be structured more freely. So under this arrangement, you can make that early morning doctor's appointment and just work a few extra hours in the evening to make up for the lost time. It's a win/win situation for everyone involved.

The governor of Utah has instituted a 4-day work week for most state employees -- except public safety workers -- until further notice. Think about the money they'll save by not having to heat or cool their facilities from Friday through Sunday.

So if you're the boss at a small business, can you make a 4-day work week work for your company? It creates employee loyalty and the cost of turnover by not doing it will be far more expensive in the long run.

The outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas has released several predictions about future workplace trends.

There's been so much talk about the idea of telecommuting, but so little action. Yet in the future, more of us will work independently and some of us will do so from home.

The only downside Clark foresees is that more of us will be contractors, especially with big companies and small start-ups. Most mid-sized companies will retain their regular staffs going forward.

Clark thrives on the kind of worker independence that Challenger is predicting. There was only one time in his life when he worked in a true corporate bureaucracy, and that was at IBM. His entrepreneurial spirit sometimes conflicted with the corporate world during his tenure there.

One serious implication of more contract work comes to mind: How will we provide healthcare in this brave new world? Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney took a lot of heat over his state's efforts to eliminate employer-provided healthcare. But the reality is that more people in Massachusetts have coverage than before, especially among the self-employed.

Returning to the Challenger predictions, more companies are expected to switch to 4-day workweeks. That would mean four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour ones. Wouldn't that be nice?!

CLARKONOMICS: Several surveys -- including the official one from the feds -- show that payrolls are shrinking. Yet the unemployment rate stayed steady at 5.5 %. How can that be? Some economists think job seekers are discouraged and have stopped looking for work. That's still anecdotal at this point.

Yet the reality is that while things have gotten tougher, it's not a disaster. Many people hear the news about the job market and think things won't improve. But that's not the way capitalism works -- we go through cycles.

Unemployment likely will rise over the next year. But even so, there's always someone hiring. Networking can help you ferret out those offers.

Meanwhile, if you've been unemployed and have exhausted your benefits, Clark has some good news. Pres. Bush signed a law that extends benefits for 13 additional weeks for those who are actively seeking work. For full details, see the text of the new law.

Don't delay or you may forfeit a portion of the benefit. Contact your state's Department of Labor to renew.

Younger employees have no clue how to dress in the workplace. With guys, it's sloppy clothing; with women, it's inappropriate clothing -- including short skirts, skimpy outfits and exposed tattoos.

Clark recently saw a Dear Abby column that was dedicated to an HR manager who needed to vent about this issue. Shortly after he saw that, The Orlando Sentinel/Newsday ran a photo gallery of outfits that were deemed too sexy for the job. Meanwhile, Clark was recently in Dallas at a hip gelato parlor. He was shocked by how white-collar women getting out of work were dressed. And he wasn't just being fuddy-duddy.

Pop darlings Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson have all had their own influence on today's lax dress standards for young women. The range of acceptable behavior and dress got muddied up.

Recent college graduates starting their first jobs should err on the side of conservative dress. If a workplace is more relaxed, you'll figure it out over time. Some employers have even been convinced by consultants to have fashion shows featuring mannequins sporting appropriate workplace clothing!

CLARKONOMICS: The headlines about unemployment have created a lot of anxiety across the land. Initial claims climbed to a 4-year high and workers are remaining jobless for longer; about 3 million have lost a job and not been able to rebound with employment. Meanwhile, Challenger, Gray & Christmas -- a leading outplacement consulting firm -- found a 19-month high in the number of planned job cuts.

Should you be worried? You know from your own industry and place of work whether or not you'll be OK. Be realistic when you're facing that onslaught of headlines. Maybe you don't need to fret as much as you have been.

If you are in danger of being pink-slipped, that's fair warning to get your financial house in order. Start pulling back on the spending and reducing your debt. That way you'll be more prepared in the event of a layoff.

This time is not even close to the worst we've seen, yet it's not the best either. Things could decline even further, but Clark doesn't see overwhelming doom and gloom ahead. It's steady as you go for most of us.

In the midst of all the doom and gloom about employment forecasts, Clark recently told you about certain opportunities in the job market. But there's an underground opportunity just around the corner that could go mainstream in the next few years. You've heard of white collar and blue collar jobs, right? Well, how about green collar?!

There could be potentially millions of jobs coming in the environmental sector. Clark thinks back to the UC Davis professor he had on the air who worked for 20 years to develop plug-in hybrids. These kinds of cars start out electric and then switch to gas when they run out of juice. After years of pooh-poohing plug-ins, GM is now advertising a plug-in called the Volt coming in 2010. Likewise, Toyota spent years being hostile to the idea of modifying the Prius to be a plug-in hybrid. Now they're going to launch that version in 2010 for fleet sales before entering the general market with it.

Here's another example of a green business: Our old electronic waste is often shipped to Third World countries where kids disassemble computer monitors and get exposed to dangerous chemicals. Clark recently read a Forbes story about an independently wealthy man who thought there had to be a better way. So he launched a business called ERI (Electronic Recyclers International) in Fresno, CA. ERI employs ex-convicts who follow safety standards in taking equipment apart and recycling it. It's been a real money-making venture. And it also benefits ex-cons by providing employment and opportunity for those who haven't had much in their lives.

Look around each corner and you'll see green opportunities going forward. Clark thinks retro-fitting houses to make them energy efficient will employ those laid off in construction. Bringing home green by working green will soon be more of a reality.

CLARKONOMICS: Are Americans going backwards economically? That's how some of the financial press is spinning the latest findings of the Pew Research Center. Only 4 in 10 people feel they're moving forward -- and that's a record low. Of those who define themselves as middle class, 80% say they can't maintain their standard of living. This, of course, translates to lack of optimism about the country.

When you look at the last 5 years, there has been some distortion in the economy and some trends have squeezed people. But look further back to the '70s. The average American family income is 40% higher than it was one generation ago. That's practically unprecedented for an already developed economy. Meanwhile, the average family is 35% wealthier in terms of net worth than a generation ago.

Yet the Pew findings ring true. The middle class is hollowing out. In town after town, the non-skilled union jobs have steadily been evaporating as our manufacturing base declines. The kinds of jobs that unskilled laborers now have to get as a replacement typically pay much less and don't have a pension or benefits. So what's happening is that our country is dividing into 3 distinct groups: One third of Americans are making really decent money; one-third have low incomes and are not doing so well; and one third are in the middle. Clark's never seen this kind of split in his lifetime; the classic bell curve of yesteryear is gone and that's why there's unease.

Even if you're mid-career, you've got to reinvent yourself. This is the real challenge as we face global competition. The free trade genie won't go back in the bottle. Clark wants to hear political discourse about how to start re-training mid-career people. Community colleges and state-sponsored technical schools are both great venues to gain new skills or get re-training.

CLARKONOMICS: There's bad news on the job front with the unemployment rate rising from 4.8% to 5.1% and employers reporting 3 consecutive months of job losses. We may be at the beginning of more trouble. But the irony is that we're starting from a good spot. Economists never even thought we could get an unemployment rate as low as 5% without overheating the economy.

Instead of focusing on the bad news, Clark wants to let you know about companies that are planning on doing some big-time hiring. Forbes recently reported that Accenture -- an international consulting, technology and outsourcing company -- plans to hire 60,000 new employees in 2008. And that's just one example. This is not a doom and gloom economy where there are no jobs to be had.

Kiplinger.com recently ran a feature about recession-proof careers. These fields include healthcare, education, security, environmental science and government. In one example, The Washington Post reports that a Maryland county is pursing paramedics like they're star athletes. The starting salary is $57K.

Keep in mind that 70% of the jobs that will exist in 20 years don't exist today. Think back to 1988. At that point there was no Internet and no e-mail. You've got be willing to continually reinvent yourself. The typical American will have 5 careers and at least 15 jobs. Be ready to go back to school if necessary. As our economy changes, you've got to move with it.

CLARKONOMICS: Everyday during these Clarkonomics segments, Clark brings you all kinds of woeful news about the economy. So it's nice to be able to finally bring some good news. Each year, a temporary employment firm called Manpower Inc. compiles a very comprehensive hiring survey. Their spring report really wowed people because it found that more than 1 in 4 employers expect to increase total net employment during the next 3 months. Less than 10% expect to reduce head count. The remaining companies surveyed foresee things remaining level. That's fantastic news if you're job-hunting.

Meanwhile, Clark recently read that the number of weeks it takes to find a new job once you're unemployed has increased because of the slowing economy. So it may take longer to turn the ship around, but that ship will sail. If you're worrying about a future layoff, get your money together for leaner times. Clark believes that you really lose confidence during prolonged unemployed. So you've got to have an action plan. First, get out and volunteer in some activity you believe in; you could end up with a job through that alone. Second, take a job doing anything, at least part-time, so you can pay your bills. Even if you're embarrassed by the gig, at least you're putting money back in your wallet.

What are the bathrooms like where you work? They used to be disgusting at the studio where Clark records. It got to the point that he had to speak to the head of facilities management. Now they're much cleaner.

Years ago, Clark told the story of a Wall St. stock analyst who liked to visit the companies he invests his clients' money in. He got in the habit of routinely using the bathroom at the companies. If the toilet was filthy, he would cancel his appointment and pull all financial support. This stock analyst knew that if the bathroom was filthy, the employees were not valued and that speak volumes about the company's chances of long-term success. The same holds true with reserved parking spots for upper management at a company. Priority parking tells the little guy that he doesn't count, and that doesn't make employees feel valued.

Now The Chicago Tribune reports that employees get fired up when basics aren't being met at the workplace. 1 in 3 will actually quit over things like lousy bathrooms. After all, clean bathrooms are a basic in a developed country like ours.

All eras come to an end. Clark recalls the old Data General commercial back in the '80s that had the following tagline: Don't show up for your battles with yesterday's armaments. The actual ad depicted an army of 19th-century soldiers facing off against a 20th-century military force. Data General itself has long since given up the ghost.

Sometimes it's tough to keep perspective as the market shifts around you. Look at Polaroid. They delivered an overpriced photo with a low-quality print that was considered amazing for its time. But today, Clark's phone can take a better picture and wirelessly send it to be printed for cheaper. Now Polaroid is closing factories that make its film and camera. Contrast Polaroid with Kodak. Kodak didn't stay married to film and did a good job transitioning to digital photography. In your own life, do you have tunnel vision like Polaroid? Stay aware as the ground shifts. Are you prepared?

Here's an odd one for the job seekers among you. There's a new website that pays you to go on interviews. So far only technology-geared companies are making use of NotchUp.com, which is in beta. Here's the scoop: It's very expensive for companies to use classifieds and online job sites to find new employees. NotchUp.com, however, is free to employers. They find it's cheaper to pay targeted candidates for their interview time than to go the traditional advertising route and have to sort through a ton of unqualified applicants. Will NotchUp.com be around a year from now? Who knows! But if you're seeking a new position, pursuing this opportunity can't hurt you. Meanwhile, Monster.com currently is combating negative publicity stemming from a recent security breach. So beware if you're contacted by an unsolicited "recruiter" seeking sensitive personal info. They may offer to run a background check with the promise of potential employment. But you may fall victim to ID theft if you let your guard down.

People tend to stop looking for work between Thanksgiving and the first week of January. They believe that no one is hiring during the holidays. Not true, according to Clark. December is one of the best months for job hunting. So how can you maximize this supposed downtime? First, go to holiday parties and network. Tag along as the guest of a friend who works at a specific company of interest to you. People hire people they know or they know of, Clark says. Networking is the key. The payoff is miniscule when you apply for jobs online. Second, during December the "gatekeepers" are away and the real decision makers are more likely to answer their own phones. Direct contact with key hiring managers is the way to go. And finally, this is the best month for job hunting because there's less competition out there right now!

Clark used to run a program called Career Action that taught job-interviewing skills, among other things. He was stunned at how rare it was for an applicant to research the company they were interviewing at. Now it's so easy to do research with the Internet. Be informed when you go to an interview. Don't be a know-it-all, but learn to ask targeted questions.

Does your company still have a holiday party? If so, Clark has a word of advice: Don't get trashed during the festivities! At Clark's studio, there's a holiday party coming up this weekend. They won't be serving any hard liquor, but beer and wine will probably be flowing. More than a third of all companies no longer serve any alcohol at all. There's a very important reason why Clark is urging you to not drink at your holiday party. MSNBC reports that 1 in every 7 people have been fired because they got trashed and did regrettable things in front of co-workers and superiors. So drink the egg nog that's not spiked. Or fool your co-workers by drinking ginger ale and telling them it's Scotch with seltzer! Clark is not being a party pooper, he's just trying to help you with your career. Meanwhile, The Boston Globe reports that some companies are moving their holiday parties to January. This helps combat winter blues among employees and also saves money because facility and entertainment expenses are cheaper after the holidays.

With more and more people telecommuting, workers who spend most of their time at home are facing feelings of isolation and need outlets for collaboration. Now there's a new online community called Jelly that hopes to address those needs. Jelly offers telecommuters the opportunity to meet at someone's home on a semi-weekly basis and do their work. Clark loves the networking aspect of Jelly, and he even wonders how many marriages will come from this! Clark sometimes goes to Panera Bread to get a bagel with his son and he sees salespeople taking advantage of the free wifi. The amusing thing is that the telecommuters slyly peer over their laptops to check out fellow workers. It seems wifi spots are like what bookstores were to meeting people back in the '90s. But at least back then you could strike up conversation based on what books people were reading!

About a year ago, Clark talked about Scott's Miracle-Gro firing employees who smoked. Employers have a direct interest in your health. Statistics tell us that smokers have higher absentee rates and medical bills than non-smokers. Clark recalls when he had a furniture delivery job in high school and the driver claimed that smoking since 12 hadn't hurt him! But today people accept it as common knowledge. Other than outright firing people, is there a way that companies can motivate people to have healthier habits? It turns out that paying workers small financial rewards to go on a fitness regimen works.

According to a new study in the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, cash incentives of as little as $7 work to get people in shape. Money is even a better motivator than having a gym at work, the study found. Here's how the study worked: Groups were either offered no incentives, seven dollars or fourteen dollars. They weren't given any advice on how to lose weight or exercise. The people who were paid fourteen dollars were more likely to lose weight than those who received no money. Fourteen dollars was an even bigger motivator than seven dollars, which Clark thinks is funny because it's not really all that much money as an incentive for three months of exercise and diet. The authors of the study now plan to do more research to find out the optimal amount of money it will take to bribe workers to health!

If you own a business or manage a company, do you allow your employees the freedom to make you money or do you put them in a straitjacket? One of the biggest straitjackets is working from the office. The Wall Street Journal revealed the results of a study that monitored 10,000 workers. Some of the workers were telecommuters and others were regular office workers. Job satisfaction and loyalty to the employer were higher among those who telecommuted. A lot of employers are still suspicious of letting people work from home. There's the idea that people have to be monitored to be efficient. Human nature dictates that some people will be very motivated workers and others will not be very motivated at all. But you can't create productivity by staring at someone across the office. Clark himself admits that his productivity at the studio drops to almost zero. That's why he does all his show research at home. He's the kind of person who finds the office is a major distraction because he loves to chat with co-workers!

Many people want to do part-time work at home, especially when they have a newborn. But a lot of work-at-home offers are scams. One stat has it that for every legitimate offer you may see, you're going to come across 42 scams. So Clark wants you to be careful if you're looking to work at home. Be sure to avoid the ads in the back of women's magazines about envelope stuffing, doing medical office paperwork and the like. There is, however, one area that's proven legitimate over time: becoming a call center worker from your home. Employers like this option because they don't have to rent office space for you, so it costs them less than setting up a call center. Typical costs for a call-center employee could be $31, while it only costs a company $21 to set you up to do the same work at home. Bear in mind that these figures are not what you'll be earning; they represent what the company pays out of pocket to set you up as an independent contractor. Fortune magazine reports that there are now about 100,000 people involved in such work-at-home businesses. That number is expected to triple in the next 30 months. Be sure to check out Clark's list of legitimate vendors in this field. Not many people know it, but JetBlue was one of the pioneers in the home-based call center industry. Now companies like 1-800-Flowers and J. Crew are also getting in on the action.

On his recent book tour Clark met a gentleman who was about to become a refugee from corporate America due to company downsizing. He decided that buying a franchise was the right way to go from here. Clark asked him what he knew about the industry, and he said "nothing." He said the franchise company promised incredible profits, but you can't always trust their word. Clark asked what his previous field was...he answered computers. Clark asked him why he wanted to go into a field that had nothing to do with his business experience...was he burned out? He said no, he just thought he could make a lot of money with this franchise. But Clark wants you to think long and hard before you do buy one, especially if you're a corporate refugee. Clark's advice: work in the industry first and see if you really like it. Learn it from the inside out, even if it means emptying trash cans at first. Franchises are much harder to sell than buy, so you want to be 100% sure you want to stick with it. Corporate refugees, you have to be especially careful, since what you used to do was very specific, typically. You'll have to be a multi-disciplinary person--a utility player-- if you're going to go from an office into running your own business. If you're not, you're probably not the kind of person who should own a franchise. So what do you do if you have experience but can't find a regular job?. Try consulting. Use the knowledge you gained in the corporate world and put that to use helping others who can benefit from your advice and experience. If you've gained the currency of knowledge, education and training and just kick it to the curb, you'll be throwing the baby out with the bath water!

Are you being paid a fair wage for what you do? There is a site where you can find out, according to Business 2.0 magazine. It’s called payscale.com. Once you go through the steps, the site will try to get you to purchase more products. But just keep hitting the “free” buttons and you’ll get a chart showing how you’re doing compared to other people in your field. It can also help business owners figure out what they should be paying workers. Now, any tool like this is not scientifically proven. But it is a great resource.

Clark has great news for you and your wallet! The U.S. economy has defied all odds and continues to grow beyond what anyone expected. Normally, when the economy takes off, so does inflation. But we are in what economists refer to as the “Goldie Locks Economy.” The housing market is awful and the car market is struggling severely. In addition, builders reporting horrible statistics. They’re getting cancellations on about 50 percent of homes. So, consequences for builders and their workers are rough. But in spite of all that, we have continued to defy gravity. Wages are moving along quite nicely, for example. So, if employers are being stingy with you, now is the time to look around. Your skills may be in demand elsewhere, and you could work for a more appreciative employer. When the economy is reporting these great numbers, see it as your wake up call. Also, people graduating from college this spring will have the luck of the draw. The job market is the best it’s been in years, so those folks are sitting pretty. Just be careful responding to job listings that may be scams.

Are you happy where you work? Unfortunately, many people aren’t, but they go back to the same grind every day because they can't take that step. Recent studies show that half of working Americans want out of their jobs. One in five are actively looking and another one in five intend to look for a new job in the next six months. If you are one of those people, now is the time to start looking. The job market is pretty good right now, so this may be your chance. As for employers who might take offense to this, you may want to take a look in the mirror. Just because you give someone a paycheck doesn’t mean they are happy. To most workers, being rewarded and appreciated is what matters. Tell individual employees what they’ve done to make you proud. And create conditions that make people happy. Also, workers should remember that it’s a two-way deal. If you’re working in a good job with great benefits, you have to deliver.

Clark knows lots of people who have looked so forward to retirement, only to be let down out of bordeom or lack of activity. Many people need some kind of activity or mental stimulation to feel alive, and sometimes it’s nice to make a little extra money at the same time. So, baby boomers who are hitting retirement are searching the Web for jobs they would like. One new site may be your answer. It’s called retirementjobs.com. Check it out and let us know.

For the first time in years, summer jobs are easier to find this year. That’s great news for young people in high school or college. So, why is it happening? Well, first of all, the job market is stronger. Secondly, although it doesn’t feel like it, the economy is stronger. And these jobs are paying higher than minimum wage. In addition, companies are offering more paid internships for young people in various years of school. Now the job may not be that interesting. But that doesn’t matter; getting your foot in the door is key. You can look around for jobs you want later. Statistics show that about 40 percent of people who worked as an intern at a company go to work for that company after graduation.

Hear what workers say about what they value on the job. Does a higher salary make one happier? Just remember to turn off your pop-up blocker if you have one.

If you don’t have a college degree, but you’re looking for a job that pays well, what should you do? Well, a reporter from Knight Ridder did some research on this topic and put together a list. The top paying job without a bachelor’s degree is a Registered Nurse or RN. Like many people, Clark thought you had to have a bachelor’s degree to become an RN. But you don’t. You just need an associate’s degree, and the opportunities are plentiful. Second is a mechanic for trucks and cars. Experienced mechanics can make up to six figures, although the average is about $30,000. It’s also another job with lots of openings. Computer support specialist positions also pay well, at between $30,000 and $50,000 a year. Electricians and plumbers are in high demand, as well. Truck drivers make about $40,000 a year and more people are needed because turnover is so high.

Statistics released recently show that over the past five years Americans have taken on heavier and heavier loads of debt. It’s at the point where the average household is carrying a very heavy burden. One of the scariest aspects is the amount of home equity lines of credit and the car loans people have taken on. So, what’s really behind all this debt people are taking on? Usually it’s that people are trying to maintain a lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average American wage has fallen. When you see surveys asking people about whether they feel we’re going in the wrong direction as a country, part of it is due to the drop in salaries and wages. Of course, other people are making great money. Doctors, for instance, are making more than normal. Airline pilots and nurses are making also making more. But many fields have seen huge wage drops. Servers have seen wages drop, as have truck drivers, dental hygienists and school teachers. It reemphasizes the point that the more skills you have and the broader your education, the better off you will be. If you are suffering from a decline in income, look for ways to trim your expenses.

Clark often talks about what jobs will make you the most money out of school. But what about the ones that pay the least? We thought we should let you know the other end of the spectrum. Some of the lowest-paying jobs out there are 1) archeologist - $38,000; 2) architect – mid ‘30s ; 3) professional chef – about $9 an hour; 4) clergy member – mid ‘30s; 5) liberal arts professor – mid ‘40s; 6) school psychologist – about $30,000 and 7) university research scientist - $35,000 to $39,000. Of course, you should do what you love. Money is a priority, but if you love what you do you will be much more fulfilled. Just consider the debt you’ll have to deal with after school. One caveat is that there will be a lot of people retiring from professorships over the next few years, which means more positions will open up.

The average wage of the American worker is not keeping up with the rate of inflation today. We are falling behind by about 1 percent each year. At the same time, we’re creating more jobs. Last year, the country added 2.2 million jobs. That means the cost of living is outrunning the pay increases we’re getting. Not to mention the fact that many jobs are going overseas and cheap imports from China are rising exponentially. Clark likes the fact that those imports mean cheaper prices on clothes and other retail items. But retailers in the States are trying to convince our federal government to put limits on imports because they are losing money and jobs. Over time, having that competition has been good for our country. The real problem is related to our current health care system. Spending on health care is out of control because of the way the system is now. If it were up to the individual we would spend a lot less as a country and keep more of our money. Clark knows there are a lot of bright people coming up with ideas for health care and how to improve it. So, if you’re feeling pinched in the pocket, consider the possibility that a solution for health care would help before talking about outsourcing and importing goods. Our current system is not sustainable for everyday working people.

We talk about competition from Communist China, Europe and other parts of Asia. But did you know that states compete as well for residents and for top positions in the marketplace. The topic they use most often to influence people is weather, according to news reports. College-educated people are moving from cold-weather states to warmer states en masse these days because the quality of life is perceived as so much better. Not to mention the fact that there are more jobs in these more attractive places. The state of North Dakota loses the most young people each year. Last year the state lost 28 percent of that demographic. The second least popular location is South Dakota and Iowa was next in line. West Virginia and Montana were No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. So, where are those people moving? More than anywhere else, college-educated people are moving to Nevada. The second most popular place to move is Colorado, and the third most popular state is Georgia. No. 4 and 5 are Arizona and Oregon.

What are the best companies in America in your opinion? Fortune Magazine recently published its opinion on this matter, and you may or may not be happy with the results. Wal-Mart is No. 4 on the list of the “Most Admired Companies” in America. Many people view Wal-Mart as an evil enterprise, but apparently Forbes admires them. One cannot argue that the company provides cheap goods in very efficient ways. People with a lot of money don’t like the Wal-Mart way of life. No. 1 on the list might come as a surprise to you also. Dell Computers is the most admired company in the world. The company has turned computers into a commodity. They have driven costs out of the system and made money selling quality, affordable computers. Coming in fifth place is SouthWest Airlines. So, clearly there is a pattern of efficient, industry-changing companies. A counterpoint could be No. 3, Starbucks, which charges a ton for coffee. But people like the environment and employees love working there. So it works.

Ten years ago, the government of France started implementing laws that made it a crime to work more than 35 hours a week. It struck fear into the French and intimidated businesses into . The French government thought putting limits on hours would force businesses to hire more people, which would lower the unemployment rate. Well, the unemployment rate actually went up, and it didn’t help at all. So, the government is finally lifting the 35-hour work week. It’s got some people up in arms, but it’s the best decision the country could have made. We must let the free market thrive.

Clark has always been a fan of teens working throughout high school and college to make a little extra money and to learn the value of money. But a report in USA Today had him concerned about some extremes involved with working teenagers. First of all, only about 20 percent of teens are working the “desirable number” of hours according to developmental psychologists and other experts. The target is about 15 hours a week. But 40 percent of teenagers are working way beyond that amount. That can lead to trouble in school and introduction to adult behaviors that are not age appropriate. Another 40 percent of teens are not working at all, which also concerns Clark. Parents need to get involved and talk about the benefits of working a reasonable number of hours at an appropriate job. Now, during the summer, working full-time is fine. Teens will have exposure to those adult behaviors eventually, and it’s more likely to happen over the summer. So, be vigilant with your kids. Know where they are and what they’re doing.

Do you work for a company that cares about you? The people who employ you really care about how you are treated. Fortune Magazine thinks it’s important to point out these companies, so the publication lists the “Top 100 Companies to Work For” every year. Every one of the companies says it puts employees first. The company that got top honors this year, Wegman supermarket chains, even has a motto that states, “Employees first; Customers second.” It’s enlightened self interest. The better you treat your employers the better they’ll treat customers, and everyone makes money. More companies need to abide by this motto.

How many times have you come up with an idea or task and decided to wait until “after the New Year” to address it? This time of year, most people think they should put things off until after Christmas because people are on vacation and they think it will be harder to accomplish. But what better time is there than the present? That motto is especially true if you’re looking for a new job. Many of the “gatekeepers” who protect higher ups are out of the office now, taking vacation. So many executives are working and accessible. Now is a great time to be noticed and get your foot in the door. It may sound odd, but often people who go against the grain accomplish exactly what they want. Contact the people who are decision makers, and your chances of getting a job are much better. Many of the ads listed on Web sites or in newspapers are already “wired,” meaning the company knows who will be hired. They’ve most likely already tapped someone in the company. They are just following required procedures involving discrimination before they hire that person.

Owning a franchise is a potentially promising industry for many people these days. Franchising makes it affordable for companies to plaster their name all over the country, as well. And, the target market for franchise owners has changed, according to the New York Times. Roughly one in seven franchise owners are late career types or retirees. It used to be people in the middle of their careers, who want to try something new. Today, people over 50 are trying it out more often. The problems arise if the business doesn’t pan out, and you are in your later years. If you lose a lot of the money you have, it’s tough to start over. That’s why Clark wants you to work in one of the franchise businesses before you buy one. You need to gain perspective on what it’s going to be like because it’s important to learn a business from the pitfalls up. There are many unknowns in business, and you need to know what they are in case you decide you don’t like them. That way you can get out before you take a huge step. Franchises are much easier to get into than to get out of. One of the bigger ones people don’t think about is internal theft. If you’re less experienced in the business, your own employees may scam you. If you’re working as an employee, you get a bird’s eye view of what goes on when you’re not there. So, if you’re thinking about it, give yourself another six months. That is enough time to learn the whole drill and make a wise decision.

The Employee Benefit Research Institution recently conducted a survey into our compensation and benefits packages. Researchers found that the amount of compensation that doesn’t show up in your paycheck but goes toward benefits has more than doubled what it was in the ‘60s. That’s one of the reasons why airline employees are fighting tooth and nail for their salaries and benefits. They have been with the company for years and much more of their paycheck is going toward health care and other benefits. More and more companies are stripping away benefits like employee pension plans and retiree benefits. Industries are in a rut about whether to keep their word to former employees or to cut them loose. What this means is that money you have in an IRA is yours. You can count on it. Money that was promised by an employer may be broken down the road. As a consumer, look for the best deal as you always do.