How to Compute End of Service Benefits for working in K.S.A.

When does an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who works in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) qualifies to receive a retirement pay from his employer? Are you sure you have received the right amount? Do you know how it was computed?

Here is a discussion of our great OFWs in OFWGuide Forum. May this topic be of help to OFWs wondering how they can get their retirement pay.

A forumer named charisma asked how an OFW who worked for some 30 years in Saudi would compute his retirement pay.

Forumer dark_hollywood answered add your one month salary to benefits and vacation pay equals end of service benefits (1 mo. salary + benefits + vacation pay = SR 0000.00).

Here’s how you can get your:

a. End of Service Benefits: One month salary divided by thirty days multiply by 1.25 (30 days/24 months = 1.25) multiply by 24 months (SR0000/30 X 1.25 X 24 = SR 0000.00)

b. Vacation pay: Basic salary divided by thirty days multiply by 1.75 (21 days / 12 months = 1.75) multiply by 24 months. (SR0000/30 X 1.75 X 24 = SR 0000.00)

According to dark_hollywood, the computation above is for two (2) years of service only which is equivalent to 24 months. In vacation pay, the new Saudi Labor Law stated that a worker is entitled of 21 days paid vacation annually. Aside from the amount to be paid by the employer, the employer shall bear the final exit visa and the fees and free Air ticket back to origin of the worker.

There are certain exceptions, though. If an expatriate has resigned within the first two years of service, he is not entitled to any ESB. If he has resigned between two to five years of continuous service, he is entitled to one third of the salary. If he has resigned between five years up to ten years of continuous service, he is entitled to two thirds of the salary and to a full salary, beyond 10 years of continuous service. Again, the definition of "salary" here includes basic pay plus all the allowances, excluding of course, certain exceptions such as sales commissions, etc.,

Sources:  
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1415/KSA--How-to-Compute-End-of-Service-Benefits.html

http://workinginsaudiarabia.blogspot.com/2008/11/end-of-service-benefits.html

Scam Alert !!! Select Consulting Ltd. (Job Opportunity in UK)

Just received today another e-mail presenting an employment opportunity in UK. The company name is "Select Consulting Ltd". At first look on the e-mail, it seems legitimate. Find below exact e-mail as received

From : Select Consulting Ltd.

Attention,

This is to inform you that we are travel agency and we are also involve in Recruitment at technical and management levels across the manufacturing, hi-tech, engineering, public and service sectors; we offer candidate sourcing and managed campaign services here in UK. We have been able to fix over 500 people with good jobs and also assist their family to relocate to job location.

You are receiving this email because you filled a job application on "Monster Job" website. We currently have 51 different job vacancies in different company that will be stated to you later along with the benefits.

Also take note that if you wish to spend your vacation any were in the world, we could make it possible.

If interested in the job application, please send your CV with a subject "Job Application" as this will enable us to get back to you on time.

Your correspondent should be sent to us through Email: selectconsultingltd@consultant.com
selectconsultingltd@gmail.com

Companies hiring now so hurry up to stand a chance.
Sincerely,
Mr. James Anthony
Select Consulting Ltd.
Providence Court,
104-106 Denmark Street,
Diss, Norfolk,
IP22 4WN. UK.
+447031819173

But if you dig deeper on the details you can easily determine that it's another type of scam. 

Points to check if the e-mail is legitimate:

 

The domain of the sender's e-mail is not showing the company name.

As a professional standard, a legitimate company that seeks for candidate to fill the job is using a company e-mail account. A company then has their own domain for their e-mail accounts and not using a free domain for their e-mail accounts in circulating e-mail relating to official transaction of the company.

 

The e-mail address is using again a different domain and gmail account.

In this part where the sender request for the CV, a different e-mail account is again presented. Isn't that suspicious?

The address belongs to a different company.

I then decided to check the address if it is really existing. I found out that it is indeed a legitimate address, however it belongs to a different company called "ERAS Ltd" . Click here to view the website: http://www.eras.co.uk/contact-us/

I also searched if the company is existing but I can't find it. There are similar company names with Select Consulting but they are located in different country. Even in the footer of the e-mail there is no website specified.

Another thing that made me conclude that it is an illegitimate e-mail is the portion where the sender mentioned the website "Monster Job". I do have an account in this website that's why at first read I didn't suspect it. When I recalled reading other e-mails I got which referenced the website "Monster Job", there is an attached reference ID and with a header similar to the one below:

Testing/QA job opening in Oman!!

From	Tli Knowledge Services Pvt Ltd
To	xxxxxxxxxx @yahoo.com

---

For Internal Use of Employer (Please don't delete or modify while replying to this email) Monster Resume ID: 23273029      Personal Folder ID: 8992560

Dear xxxxxxx, Testing job opening in Oman!! Company: Leading IT Company Work Location: Oman Job Type: Yearly Renewable Contract Experience, Education and skills required: Bachelor’s degree in IT/Computers/systems Minimum 5 years experience in Testing/QA Minimum 2 years experience in banking applications Send your resume to shalini@tliknowledge.com along with the following details: 1. Present Salary 2. Expected Salary 3. Joining Time 4. Willingness to relocate to Oman Regards, Shalini shalini@tliknowledge.com

The above items are enough to conclude that it was indeed an illegitimate e-mail and is another type of scam mail.

OWWA Health Program (HEALTHPRO) and Complete List of Programs and Services

Isang magandang balita ang malamang ang OWWA ay nag expand ng coverage ng kanilang suporta at serbisyo para sa mga OFWs. Dati, hindi covered ng OWWA disability benefits kapag ang sakit o karamdaman ay hindi accident-related injuries. Dapat din na ang cause ay work-related or nangyari ito sa job site or lugar na pinagtatrabahuhan ng isang OFW. Noong March 4, 2010 ay nag implementa ang OWWA ng tinatawag na OWWA Health Program or HEALPRO. 

As qouted below:

OWWA HEALTHPRO has three components:

(a) Domestic hopitalization services – This is provided to an OFW patient upon arrival from abroad. This also includes OFWs already in the country who seek medical assistance within a prescribed period.

(b) Jobsite hospitalization services (overseas confinement) –  Health services are provided to an OFW-patient on-site who need immediate confinement due to emergency and other medical reasons.

(c) Medical reimbursement for emergency cases – This is a reimbursement scheme for an OFW-patient requiring immediate medical attention/pre-evaluation of illnesses to access hospital services and initially shoulder his hospital bills.

“Subsidized medical assistance through hospital wings dedicated for OFWs is an expanded medical benefit in response to the need of OFWs particularly those residing in the regions,” Dimzon said. “OWWA wants to help OFW patients whose Philhealth and HMO and company medical benefits have been exhausted. Having hospital wings in provincial hospitals also answers to the need of OFW patients for medical treatment near them.”

"Health Program for Overseas Filipino Workers or HEALTHPRO, OWWA’s institutional response to address the need for subsidized medical services of migrant workers, both local and overseas whose illnesses are either classified as intensive, dreaded, and catastrophic cases."

Sources:

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct3110/public_service_ofw.htm

http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/provincial/owwa-13-inks-moa-with-caraga-regl-hospital-for-medical-program-of-ofws/

Narito naman ang kumpletong listahan ng mga programa at serbisyo na maaring makuha ng isang OFW kapag siya ay lehitimong miyembro:

Programs and Services

For its duly registered members, OWWA delivers a wide range of health care, disability and death benefits, scholarships and financial assistance for education and training, workers assistance and on-site services, and social services and family welfare assistance subject to the qualification requirements and availability of OWWA funds.

All benefits and services are over and above the provisions of the employment contract, offer of employers, or the laws of the receiving country.

For a US$25 membership contribution, an OWWA member and/or his family is entitled to the following benefits and services:

I. MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE, DISABILITY AND DEATH BENEFITS

1.1 Health Program for OFWs (HEALTHPRO). Subsidized medical and hospitalization services for OFWs in response to the medical assistance needs of distressed OFWs, whether local or abroad. 1.2 OFW Medical Rehabilitation Program. A special health package to extend sustainable medical rehabilitation services for returning OFWs who are either suffering from any form of mental disorder/illness or physical disability.
For more information about the Medical Rehabiitation Program, please follow this link.
1.3 Disability and Dismemberment Benefit. A member is entitled to disability/dismemberment benefit of up to Php 50,000.
1.4 Total Disability Benefit. A member is entitled to Php 100,000.00 in case of total permanent disability.
1.5 Death Benefit. A member is entitled to a benefit of Php 100,000.00 for the duration of his employment contract for death due to natural cause, and Php 200,000.00 for death due to accident.
1.6 Burial Benefit. A burial benefit of Php 20,000.00 shall be provided as a rider in case of the member’s death.

II. EDUCATION AND TRAINING BENEFITS

1. Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP). The PDEP is a mandatory training for all departing migrant workers. A component of the PDOS is the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) where classes on language training, culture familiarization and stress management for the OFWs are held to prepare them for their new life overseas. The components of the PDEP are: Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) for household service workers, where classes on language training, culture familiarization and stress management for the OFWs are held to prepare them for their new life overseas.
Country-specific Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for OFWs bound for Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants are presented with a comprehensive module with sessions on contract familiarization, profile of the country of destination, stages of the OFW’s life, health and safety, airport procedures and government programs.
2. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program. The SESP is a technical or vocational training scholarship to qualified OFWs and their beneficiaries. The SESP covers short-term (up to two years) vocational or technician’s course for OFWs and their dependents. A maximum of Php 14,500.00 per course shall be provided to qualified OFWs or their beneficiary.
3. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). One hundred fifty (150) college scholarships are awarded to dependents of OFWs to pursue four- to five-year baccalaureate courses. A maximum of Php 60,000.00 per year shall be provided to qualified beneficiaries of OFWs.
For more information and to download the EDSP Application Form, please follow this link.
4. OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFW DSP). OWWA provides financial assistance of Php 20,000.00 per year to poor but deserving dependents of OFWs with a monthly salary of not more than US$400.00/month. Qualifiers enroll in a four- to five-year baccalaureate or associate course leading are entitled to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university.
For more information about OFW DSP, please follow this link.
5. Seafarers’ Comprehensive Education and Training Programs. Resulting from the maritime industry’s high demand for seafarers and the enhancement of competency for officer positions, OWWA undertakes stop-gap measures to ensure considerable supply of seafarers in the mid-management level and secure the place of our sea-based OFWs in the industry. 5.1 Seafarers’ Upgrading Program. The program intends to provide training assistance to seafarers for upgrading and updating of knowledge and skills through sponsorships. Up to Php 7,500.00 in scholarship grants are available per seafarer.
5.2 Mariners’ Dugtong-Aral. “Dugtong,” which means “bridging” in Filipino, is OWWA’s response to the government’s Bridging Program. The MDA is a scholarship grant given to qualified graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME) and BS Electrical Engineering (BSEE) who wish to graduate as BS Marine Engineering (BS MarE) and board ocean-going vessels as qualified Marine Officers through referrals made by manning agencies after hurdling the licensure examination.
5.3 Incentive Program for Top 200 Maritime Cadets (Cadetship Program). OWWA shall grant a Php 30,000.00 financial incentive to the top 200 cadets of BS Marine Transportation and BS Marine Engineering who passed the Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP) as part of the education for development scholarship program of OWWAOWWA members. for prospective
5.4 Maritime Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP) For Prospective Marine Officers and Engineers with Guaranteed International Onboard Employment (Study Now, Pay Later Scheme). MEDLOP is an interest-free financial assistance to defray costs of tertiary education of prospective Marine Officers and Engineers. The manning agency will be the applicant and sponsor for the MEDLOP and shall select the student to whom it shall extend the loan.
6. OWWA-Microsoft Tulay. “Tulay,” meaning “bridge” in Filipino, is a pioneering project between the OWWA and Microsoft Corporation that brings information and communication technology training to OFWs, to broaden their career opportunities, and facilitate long-distance communication between them and their families. It offers free information and communication technology (ICT) skills training, access to technology and communication via the Internet. At present, there are Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC) in every OWWA regional welfare office in the Philippines and in some key overseas OWWA posts.
7. Tuloy-Aral Project. The Tuloy-Aral (“continuation of education”) or TAP is an educational assistance project which aids the less fortunate children of former OFWs to enable them to continue their elementary and high school education in the Philippines by providing a US$100 financial support per year to the child-beneficiary. Donors may be OFWs, OFW organizations, and other interested individuals or groups.
8. Tuloy-Kolehiyo. Extended coverage of the established TAP is the Tuloy Kolehiyo (“continuation of college education”) to include the tertiary education leading to either an associate or baccalaureate degree. The beneficiaries are entitled to either semestral stipend or actual costs of tuition and miscellaneous fees, offered by participating educational institutions, but not to exceed the maximum amount Php 15,000 per school year.

III. WORKERS ASSISTANCE AND ON-SITE SERVICES

The OWWA sustains and maintains assistance to members in all its regional and overseas offices. On behalf of the OFW, the OWWA may provide appropriate representation with employers, agents, and host government authorities. Services include: 1. Locating OFW’S whereabouts, providing information and guidance, counseling and conciliation services, medical and legal assistance, community organization, workplace and hospital visitation, outreach missions, etc.
2. Repatriation Program which includes negotiation with employers and agents, repatriation of distressed workers, human remains and belongings, airport assistance, OWWA Halfway House accommodation, and coordination with families through the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWO).

IV. SOCIAL SERVICES AND FAMILY WELFARE ASSISTANCE

1. Reintegration Program. The program is implemented by OWWA through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and OWWA’s Regional Welfare Offices and Overseas Posts for the member-OFW’s economic and social reintegration. Member-OFWs and their families are beneficiaries of the reintegration program and can participate through business counseling, community organizing, financial literacy seminars, capability-building, networking with support institutions, and other social preparation programs activities. Livelihood loans are available to members subject to the policies formulated by the Board.

2. OWWA-NLDC LDPO PROJECT

The OWWA has an existing tie-up with the National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC) to come up with implement the Livelihood Development Program for OFWs (LDPO) to provide OFW families access to capital for their entrepreneurial activities.

3. 24/7 OWWA OPERATIONS CENTER

The OWWA maintains a 24/7 Operations Center designed to quickly respond to OFW and public inquiries on OWWA programs and services. Manned by OWWA personnel who work in shifts, the Operations Center provides information and advice as well as facilitative services to OFWs in distress overseas; follow-up requests for assistance; global developments on worker migration; and coordination with OWWA regional welfare offices on OFW concerns.

The 24/7 Operations Center is located at

OWWA Building
7th corner F.B. Harrison Sts.
Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

and can be contacted through the following:

Landline: (+632)833-OWWA or (+632)833-6992

GLOBE HOTLINE 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)

Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992

Facsimile: +63-2-8040638

Email: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.com

Web site: www.owwa.gov.ph

Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph/index.php?page=benefits-and-services

WARNING: SCAM E-MAIL (APPLICATION INVITATION FROM Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEADEO), COMMISSION )

Just received this e-mail today. Please be advised that this is not a legitimate e-mail and is another kind of a scam. If you happen to receive similar e-mail, just ignore it and don't provide any information that may lead access to your personal identity.

From: Africa Recruitment
Sent: Friday, October 29, 2010 11:01:16
Subject: APPLICATION INVITATION FROM Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEADEO), COMMISSION .

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEADEO), COMMISSION, have extended its tentacles to establish Oil and Gas Company ,Ecowas Roads, Building , Hospitals, Schools, Markets in some of his member state which includes Nigeria as the Headquarter is in Abuja.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEADEO), COMMISSION,have establish Oil and Gas Company Roads, Building , Hospitals, Schools, Markets in the 4 major region of Nigeria Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu and each zone contain about 2,000 Workers / Students / Ministers and we are now  looking for a well experience workers or  teachers to undertake the contract  Hospitals, Schools, Markets  lectures in a class of 20-25 students each we have our Primary and Secondary Schools established by the The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEADEO), COMMISSION.

However the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEADEO),COMMISSION. Strives to recruit and retain the best and brightest in a variety of exciting and challenging fields in working and  teaching works to ECOWAS Schools in Nigeria, ECOWAS discovers these talents from amongst the local and overseas graduates of best knowledgeable. We carry out regular talent
search exercises to meet our increasing human resource needs.

At present, ECOWAS COMMISION, has a workforce of more than 300,000 operations in all the Countries of the members States, This number represents all nationalities with varying capabilities, knowledge and skills to undertake various upstream and downstream projects in a variety of Educations in the members States.

ECOWAS COMMISSION offers Oil and Gas Company, Roads, Building , Hospitals, School Educational, Employment, occupational mobility along both the technical or managerial tracks and ample opportunities for learning and growing. A career with ECOWAS/CEADEO means unleashing your trust potential. On this note, the below you will find the current positions where expatriates  are needed in our Schools.

However your CV or Resume posted in onlin site data base and was found suitably  and eligible to be employed by ECOWAS/CEADEO to undertake the teaching of any schools here in Nigeria you shall be posted to any region based on your responds towards our offer to you and your adviced to select any position below by Example 1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER. then you attach your CV or Resume for proper screening and verifications as we shall revert back to
you soonest.

 POSITIONS NEEDED.

 1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER.
 2. MATHEMATICS TEACHER.
 3. GEOGRAPHY TEACHER.
 4. LITRATURE TEACHER.
 5. HISTORY TEACHER.
 6. SCIENCE TEACHER.
 7. COMPUTER TEACHER.
 8. STATISTICS TEACHER.
 9. ENGLISH LITERATURE TEACHER.
 10. SPANISH LANGUAGE TEACHER.
 11. DUTCH LANGUAGE TEACHER.
 12. CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHER.
 13. FRENCH LANGUAGE TEACHER.
 14. LINGUISTICS TEACHER.
 15. RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TEACHER.
 16. MUSIC TEACHER.
 17. SOCIAL STUDIES.
 18. ARTS AND CULTURE.
 19. NANY

OTHER OPENING DETAILS:

A.   CIVIL ENGINEER
B.   SEFATY ENGINEER
C.   CONSTRCTION ENGINEER
D.   ELECTRICAL  ENGINEER
E.   PIPELINE ENGINEER
F.   PROJECT MANAGER
G.   ADMIN MANAGER
H.   ACHITACH ENGINEER
I.    MAINTENANACE ENGINEER
J.   MECHANICAL ENGINEER
K.   OPERATION ENGINEER
L.   ACCOUNTANT
M.   FINANCE MANAGER
N.   NURSE SR. STAFF
O.  DOCTOR  /  MEDICAL OFFICER
P.    OIL AND GAS ENGINEER
Q .   LOGISTIC MANAGER
R.    HR MANAGER / OFFICER / ADMIN

 And others.

So please if you have qualifications in Engineering and teaching experiences in any of  these subjects above kindly send in your CV or Resume to our Recruitment Manager Alhaji Awolowo Abubakar as he will advice you on what next to do if selected.

So kindly reply us with your CV/Resume for our confirmation to enable us proceed regarding to employ you in this teaching work.

Send your CV at:   africrecruitments@gmail.com

Note that upon the receipt of your CV/ Resume, it shall be forwarded to our screening department for screening and proper verification, you shall be contacted if successful after the screening and we will send an appointment letter immediately to authenticate that you are selected.

Also note that there will be no online Interview as the time is short and  the ECOWAS School's will be following the Principles of the ECOWAS School's Policy. In this regards, appointment will be given based on the qualification on your CV/RESUME and as such is the final conclusion of the  ECOWAS School's.

If the applicant is successful, He or she will also enroll on a two weeks  Job elaboration and specification workshop as regard the teaching responsibility/Designation which will be given due to the difference in teaching policies between the teachers Country and ECOWAS  Oil and Gas Company ,Ecowas Roads, Building , Hospitals, Schools.

We will not write to you if you’re CV/ Resume and online Interview DO NOT match our criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards.

Alhaji Awolowo Abubakar.
Recruitment Manager.
Tel +234 8181008758

Panel Consolidates Bills to Help Provide Financial Security to OFWs

Panel Consolidates Bills to Help Provide Financial Security to OFWs
By CHARISSA M. LUCI and CHITO CHAVEZ
October 12, 2010, 8:01pm

MANILA, Philippines – The House committee on overseas workers affairs consolidated the four bills seeking to provide financial security blanket to about eight million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide. The bills, which mandates the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide a loan of P50,000 to an OFW, were now being consolidated by the committee’s technical working group (TWG).

The committee held its initial deliberations on House Bills 450, 2082, 973 and 1278, which spare the OFWs and their families from being victimized by loan sharks. Among the authors of the bill are Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara, Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio Arroyo and Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco.The bills provide the release of a loan amounting to P50,000 upon the OFW’s submission of his or her bank account, employment contract and plane ticket duly certified by the recruitment agency or direct hirer and properly certified or verified by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

Under the bill, the loan will be paid in 12 equal monthly installments at a preferred interest rate not to exceed six percent per annum. Those who fail to pay the loan or violate the terms imposed will be barred from future overseas employment. Qualified family member of the OFW may participate in the loan as co-borrower.

The loan will be entered into by and between the OFW and OWWA with the next-of-kin as the guarantor and will be covered with loan redemption insurance from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the premium of which will be paid by the applicant overseas worker, the bills said.

OFWs who are availing themselves of the loan needs to open a bank account with any domestic or foreign banking institution duly authorized to do business in the country in the name of the OFW and the immediate family member as borrower. All transactions will be made in the account where the proceeds of the loans will be released. All monthly remittances of salaries and wages abroad and payment of the loan will be made in the bank account.

In a related development, Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista said local residents need not to go the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay City to ask for assistance once the city’s OFW Help Desk is formally opened. Earlier, the Quezon City government and the OWWA signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in creating the OFW Help Desk at the Quezon City Hall. Carlo Magno Abella, officer-in-charge of the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), said the operation of the new OFW Help Desk will become part of the regular program of the city government to help its constituents.

Part of the assistance and benefits to be given are livelihood assistance up to P15,000 for displaced OFWs and those with breached contract, under the program of National Re-integration Center for OFWs. Another assistance that will be given is the ELAP or education, and livelihood assistance program for the beneficiaries of the OFWs. Anna Liza Estrada, OWWA family welfare officer, said the help desk will be open Wednesday at the PESO office for assistance or complaints.

After Quezon City, Estrada said the OWWA is also planning to set up other help desks at different places in Metro Manila which are far from the OWWA main office.

Source:http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281868/panel-consolidates-bills-help-provide-financial-security-ofws

Social Security System (SSS) Disaster Experience in Philippines

Gusto ko lang share ung naging experience ko sa SSS lately.

Nag decide akong i-withdraw ung accumulated savings (Flexi-Fund) ko last September nung nagbakasyon ako sa Pinas.Sa Head Office ako nag apply ng Claim nung September 2, 2010... Pagdating ko dun, medyo natuwa pa ako kasi meron silang VIP lane for OFWs kasama sa lane na un ang mga Senior Citizens kaya mabilis kong mai-submit ung Form. Nung nasa counter na ako, nagtanong ako kung within the day, makukuha ko agad ang cheque...Biglang nasira ang mood ko nung sinabi na 10 working days daw ang processing ng cheque...Eh pauwi ako ng probinsya after 2 days.. So, ang pinili ko nalang dun sa "Type of Payment" ay Deposit to Bank Account...Pina photocopy sakin ung ATM Card ko (BPI) along with Passport, SSS ID, ska pinasulat ung account details. Nung nareceive nung processor (Gemma R. Dagdag), hinanap nya sa listahan ung BRSTN number ng BPI branch ko. Then ska nya sinulat sa form. Tinanong ko narin kung ilang days bago maipasok sa account ko. Nakaka-dismayang sagot ang narinig ko.. Hindi raw nya alam kasi ibang department ang in-charge.

Nag-antay nalang ako habang nasa probinsya for two weeks akong andun wlang pumapasok sa account ko. To make the story worst, until this date (October 6, 2010) hindi ko parin natatanggap ung PERA KO...Nakabalik na ako dito sa Riyadh wala parin.. Hindi lang jan nagtatapos ang disaster experience ko.. Nag e-mail ako sa kanila mga 2 weeks ago to inquire nga kung ano na nangyari sa claim ko dahil hangang ngayon wala parin sa account ko... After 1 week may nagreply, anak ng putakte ang sabi sa reply pinadala na daw yung cheque dun sa mailing address ko nung Sept. 21, 2010 pinadala. Actual reply as qouted below:

We would like to inform you that your flexi-fund full withdrawal claim amounting to Pxx,xxx.xx has already been processed/settled under Check No. xxxxxx (thru special voucher) on Sept. 14, 2010 and was mailed to your given address at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sept. 21, 2010.

Thank you for writing.

Very truly yours,

ATTY. SYLVETTE C. SYBICO

Department Manager

By: MALOU C. CUEVAS

Senior Analyst

Text agad ako sa mga naiwan sa Pinas para magtanong kung may dumadating na cheque.. Eh hanggang ngayon wala pa rin... Hindi ko sila tinantanan.. Nag reply ako sa reply e-mail at kinuwestiyon ko bakit nirelease as mail yung cheque samantalang ang nilagay ko sa form is Deposit to Account.. (Pardon my English kung meron mang major major mali sa grammar, kasi hindi ako English major)

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for the information. I just want to inquire how come that it was released as a check, when the instruction I made on the form was to credit to my savings account in BPI. The processor even asked for the photocopy of my ATM card and all necessary details. What's the use of asking these information that in the end you will release it as a check? I have my mobile number and even e-mail address in the form but I was not even notified that there is a change in the releasing process. My main concern here is, not all the time there is somebody in the house where the check was mailed. If the mailman arrive without somebody to receive, it would be definitely become a returned mail. This will then cause another delay and problem.I should have just picked it up in the Main Office before I returned here in Riyadh.

Antay ulit ako ng 1 week saka may nagreply.. Lalo ako nabwisit sa reply dahil ang sabi sa reply as qouted below:

"We have coordinated your case with the concerned department and according to them, it was released as a check because there was no written request that the amount be deposited to your BPI account."

Anak ng kagaw... parang yung dugo sa talampakam ko biglang umakyat sa ulo ko na parang lalabas na sa ilong ko... Panong walang written request eh andun nga yun sa Claim Form nakalagay... May kasama pang photocopy ng ATM Card... Nireplyan ko ulit dahil sa bwisit ko...As qouted below:

Dear Maam,

Thank you for the effort you have extended in this concern. However, I would definitely DISAGREE on the reason that was provided by that concerned department. It was so clear in my claim form, that the instruction was to credit on my BPI savings account. I even attached the photocopy of my ATM Card, Passport, SSS ID and even wrote the Bank address on the form. Unfortunately, I haven't photocopied the form (because I gave too much TRUST that it will not serve any purpose on the future). Which I really regret, and the only thing I can provide is the acknowledgement receipt of my form as attached in this e-mail.

The processor was Ms. Gemma R. Dagdag. She even checked the BRSTN number of my BPI Branch in the list she had and wrote it in the form. I hope that there will be enough HONESTY on the concerned person/people for this will reflect negatively on the institution. I dare (the concerned department) to provide the scanned copy of the form which I submitted.

Just FYI, until this date, my family in Philippines haven't received yet the cheque. Thank you again and may this issue be settled as soonest as possible. "

Haaayyyy... akala ko pa naman dahil nagbago na ang Presidente ng Pilipinas at nagbago narin ang Chairman ng SSS eh mababago narin ang image ng SSS... Yun pala eh BULOK parin...

Implementation Of Expanded OFW Protection To Start This August

The new law that would give more benefit and protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is set to be implemented this month. According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), this development would be to the advantage of about eight million OFWs all over the world.

Rosalinda Baldoz, the new Labor Secretary said in an article that appeared in the DOLE website, “With the publication of the implementing rules and regulations, I now direct the family of agencies under the DOLE that have OFW-related mandates to craft their own internal rules and regulations for the smooth operationalization and implementation of the provisions of the law."

Aside from the DOLE, other government agencies that need to work on their internal rules about OFWs are the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other agencies with OFW-related mandates.

The implementing rules and regulations of this new law have already been published in major newspapers and would take effect on August 13. According to Baldoz the implementation of expanded OFW protection law or Republic Act 10022 is a challenge that puts the DOLE at an even bigger forefront of OFW social protection.

The following are some of the highlights of the new law:

* Stronger bilateral and multilateral relations with the receiving countries for OFW protection;
* Provision of free skills training and livelihood programs for OFWs;
* “Positive and concrete measures" of host countries to protect the rights of migrant workers;
* Prohibition of acts that may constitute illegal recruitment by both licensed and unlicensed agencies;
* Implementation of anti-illegal recruitment programs;
* Placement of the responsibility for OFW repatriation upon the principal or employer and licensed recruitment agency;
* Establishment of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs;
* Protection from abusive medical clinics;
* Legal assistance fund for filing of cases against erring or abusive employers;
* Compulsory provision of insurance to cover agency-hired workers for accidental death, natural death, permanent total disablement, repatriation costs, subsistence allowance benefit, money claims, compassionate visit, medical evaluation, and medical repatriation.

Source: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1384/Implementation-Of-Expanded-OFW-Protection-To-Start-This-Month.html

Most of OFW Families are Poor

There's an article I read which is somehow old, but I want to share it here for my fellow OFWs to read (hopefully learn from it). The actual article is posted below:


‘60% of OFW families are poor’
Written by Estrella Torres / Reporter
Wednesday, 02 June 2010 23:37

DESPITE the steadily rising remittance levels of Filipino migrant workers—reaching $18 billion in 2009—at least 60 percent of their families remain poor, according to a Church-backed group doing support work for the sector.

This, as the head of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the Philippines raised concern that the situation for the families of Filipino migrant workers will remain unchanged or may worsen due to their consumerist attitude.

Linda Wirth, ILO director in Manila, said migrant workers and their families are constantly exposed to various risks that require huge levels of spending. These include illnesses, accidents, loss of property, natural and man-made disasters, climate-change impact and the lingering global financial crisis.

She said families of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) also belong to the 80 percent of the global population who do not have access to basic social services.

“While not all of the OFWs are poor, there is a bigger percentage of them who came from poor families and these are the ones who are sending money more regularly to their families compared with those migrant families who are already doing well. The tendency is really to seek help from friends and relatives,” Wirth said at a press briefing of the ILO in Makati City on Wednesday.

Fr. Edwin Corros, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, a panel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said the Philippines has more than 8 million OWFs, and at least 60 percent of their families remain poor.

This is so because these migrant workers are predominantly classified as unskilled or semiskilled, such as household-service workers who end up empty-handed when they return to the country, as wages promised them are lower than promised and they have to pay off debts incurred in preparing for overseas work. Worse, many of them also suffer from abusive employers and/or fall prey to human traffickers—tragedies that entail extra costs for them and their families in terms of hospitalization, loss of wages and legal fees.

“It is very difficult to convince them to save because they will need it in the future,” Corros said during the ILO press briefing for the Pamilyang OFW Savers and Wellness Club.

Ferdinand Berba, senior vice president for Business Development of Pioneer Life Insurance, said the savings rate for the Filipino migrant workers is way below their counterparts from China and Indonesia. They are faring a little better than migrant workers from Myanmar and Cambodia.

He said 42 percent of the savings of Filipino migrant workers are usually spent on emergency expenses ahead of the allotment for children’s education (34 percent), food (6.6 percent), marriage or other future plans (5.9 percent), business investment (3.4 percent), housing (2.9 percent), among others.

“We can see that they are not saving for the future. The tragic thing is that they go home unsuccessful, and they don’t have any savings. Their life as well as their families is very far from what it used to be when the OFW is abroad,” Berba said.

Talagang nakakalungkot at nakakapagbagabag kapag nakakabasa ka ng ganito. Sana magsilbing "eye opener" sa lahat ng OFWs ang ganitong impormasyon. Dapat talagang sikapin ang "mag-ipon" at hindi yung puro gastos lang. Hanggat maari huwag bumili ng mga bagay na hindi naman kailangan. Kadalasan kasi kapag lumaki na ang sweldong natatanggap, lumalaki rin ang gastos sa "luho". Hindi na naiisip na hindi habang-buhay ay ganun ang sitwasyon. Isipin natin ang magiging kalagayan natin sa mga susunod na araw at darating na panahon. "KAPAG MAY ISINUKSOK MAY MADUDUKOT"

Sa mga pamilya namang naiiwan sa Pinas, sana ay ugaliin din ang "magtipid". Huwag nang magyabang sa mga kapitbahay at kamag-anak. Kadalasan, kapag merong nasa abroad eh nag-iiba narin ang "lifestyle". Dati sanay naman sa ganitong klase ng buhay aba eh nung medyo nakakaluwag biglang taas narin ng cost of living. Dapat isipin lagi na hindi madali ang kumita ng pera.Hindi yan basta-basta pinupulot sa kalsada. "MAS MADALING GASTUSIN ANG PERA KAPAG HINDI IKAW ANG KUMIKITA."

Remittance Channels in Saudi Arabia

Kumusta sa lahat ng mga Kabayan dito sa Saudi Arabia. Naisipan kung i-post ang listahan ng mga remittance centers na pwede nating pagpadalhan ng pera papuntang Pilipinas. Sana ay makatulong sa inyo ang mga impormasyon na ito. Kung meron pa kayong alam na remittance centers na hindi nakasali sa listahan maaring pakilagay nalang as comment para maidagdag ko. Salamat...

Remittance Center: NCB-QuickPay/MoneyGram (*recommended)

Service Charge: 20.00 SAR *net (no other charges on the benefeciary)

Supported Currency: PHP / USD

Channels for Sending:

1. Visit any of NCB ATMs or branches, located across the Kingdom

2. Call the QuickPay Phone Service on 920000330

3. Log in to the Online Banking to transfer money online (if you have regular bank account)

(Account opening should be made personally on the QuickPay Branches)

Channels for Receiving:

1. Direct deposit - transfers money directly to your beneficiary's bank account

2. SMART Money account (for Filipino customers-should have ChinaBank account)

3. Cash pickup -allows your beneficiary to pick up the cash from any QuickPay bank partner

4. Courier - provides door-to-door delivery

Delivery/Receiving Time:

Direct deposit - 24 to 48 hours (depending on the bank and timezone)

SMART Money account - within 2-5 seconds delivery time

Cash pickup - 24 hours (depending on the bank's business days in Philippines)

Courier - 24 to 48 hours

Website:

http://www.alahli.com/en-US/Personal%20Banking/Money_Transfer/QuickPay/Pages/QuickPay.aspx

Personal Note: Ito ang existing kong ginagamit na channel for remittance. Mas madali kasi ang magpadala, once na setup na yung account mo.Hindi ka magdudusa sa mahabang pila dahil pwede kang magpadala thru NCB-ATMs.So, 24/7 pwede kang magpadala as long na may NCB ATM sa lugar mo.Hindi rin hassle kapag inabutan ka ng salah (prayer-time) dahil basta online ang ATM pwede ka makatransact.Hindi tulad sa ibang remittance center, talagang tigil ang transaction kapag salah time na.Pwede rin na itawag lang (call charges apply) sa Phone Banking Service nila.Another advantage yung net na service charge, wala ng additional charge pagdating sa beneficiary.Kung magkano ang amount na nakikita mo sa resibo, yun at yun ang natatanggap (minsan may labis na cents dahil binubuo na, pero walang kulang).Mas mataas din ang forex conversion nila kumpara sa iba. Guaranteed na mabilis ang pagdating ng padala.Based on experience ko kapag BPI ang account mga maximum of 6 hours tanggap na (depende sa oras sa Pinas). Nasubukan ko rin magpadala sa BDO at less than 1 hour natatanggap na. Yung smart-money nila talagang guaranteed in seconds lang tanggap na.Parang Western Union lang.Ang tie-up nila sa Pinas para sa Smart-Money is ChinaBank. So open ka muna ng special Smart-Money account sa ChinaBank tapos register mo as beneficiary.

Remittance Center: Al Rahji Bank - Tahweel
Service Charge: 18.00 SAR

Supported Currency: PHP/USD

Channels for Sending:

1. Over the counter on Tahweel Centers

2. Through Online Banking (need to have AlRajhi Account)

Channels for Receiving:

1. Cash On Pickup

2. Direct Deposit To Account

3. Courier / Door to door

Delivery/Receiving Time:

1. Cash On Line (Pickup) - 2 hours on Metrobank and BDO (specific branches)

2. Direct Deposit - will take 24 to 48 hours

3. Door to Door - 1 to 5 days

Website:

http://www.tahweelalrajhi.com.sa/en/AboutUs

Remittance Center: ANB - Telemoney

Service Charge:
22.00 SAR credit to bank account
15.00 SAR using ATMs
32.00 SAR for door to door
Supported Currency: PHP/USD
Channels for Sending:
1. Over the counter on Telemoney Centers
2. ANB ATMs (only for account holders on ANB)
3. Through TeleMoney Phone Banking
Channels for Receiving:
1. Credit to bank account
2. Door to door cash delivery
3. Cash collection (over the counter payment)
Delivery/Receiving Time:
48 to 72 hours
Website:
http://www.anb.com.sa/transfersTele.asp

Remittance Center: Bank Albilad Enjaz / Western Union
Service Charge:
16.00 SAR - bank transfers and pickup
35.00 SAR - Western Union
Supported Currency: PHP/USD
Channels for Sending: Over the Counter on Enjaz Centers 
Channels for Receiving: Direct Deposit To Account, Cash On Pickup / Payout

Delivery/Receiving Time:

Direct Deposit To Account - 24 to 72 hours (depending on the bank's business days in Philippines)

Western Union - within minutes (depending on the timezone of the Agent)

Personal Note: Dito ako dati nagpapadala, siguro mga 1 taon din bago nagka QuickPay dito sa Riyadh. Based on my own experiences, isang factor dito ay ang mahabang pila kapag magpapadala. Talagang kailangan mong paglaanan ng oras. Tapos may mga additional charges pa pagdating sa beneficiary account. Medyo mababa din ang forex convertion nila, maliban pa na mag suffer ka sa 2-way conversion. Kasi from SAR convert muna nila sa USD tapos from USD ska i-convert sa PHP.

Remittance Center: SAMBA - SpeedCash
Service Charge: 21.00 SAR

Supported Currency: PHP/USD

Channels for Sending:

1. Over the Counter on SpeedCash centers Kingdomwide

2. Through SambaPhone if you have a Samba account

Channels for Receiving:

1. Direct Deposit To Account

2. For cash pickup

Delivery/Receiving Time:

1. Direct Deposit To Account - within 24 hours

2. For cash pickup - within minutes (depending on the time in the Philippines)

Website:

http://www.samba.com/ENGLISH/Consumer/HTML/consMoneyTransferSpeedCash_01_01_en.html

Remittance Center: Al Zamil Exchange Remittance Company
Service Charge: 14.00 SAR

Supported Currency: PHP/USD

Channels for Sending: Over the counter in the nearest branches

Channels for Receiving: Cash-to-Bank Transfer, Cash-to-Cash Transfer, Door-to-Door Payments

Delivery/Receiving Time: no data available

Remittance Center: Alamoudi Exchange Service Company
Service Charge: 15.00 SAR

Supported Currency: PHP/USD

Channels for Sending: Over the counter in the nearest branches

Channels for Receiving: Cash-to-Bank Transfer, Cash-to-Cash Transfer, Door-to-Door Payments

Delivery/Receiving Time: no data available

Website: http://www.alamoudiexchange.com/

Clarify ko lang po na yung mga figures and data are applicable as of posting date. So pwede mabago without prior notice. Saka clarify ko lang din na hindi ako nagtatrabaho sa NCB :) kasi baka bigyang malisya yung comment ko and pag recommend sa remittance channel nila. Actually sa bank din ako nag work pero hindi sa NCB. Dito sa amin, libre para sa mga staff ang fund transfer kaso bank to bank transaction kaya dumadaan ng SWIFT. So, mas matagal bago makarating mga 3 days. Saka pagdating sa Pinas may additional charge pa na binabawas ang receiving bank kaya hindi pratical na dun magpadala. Kung meron po kayong mga correction on any information sa taas paki-leave nalang as comment.

Philippine Banks' SWIFT Code

Minsan may pagkakataon na kailangan magpadala ng pera sa Pinas na pinapadaan thru any bank sa bansa kung saan naroon ang isang OFW. Tanggapin natin ang katotohanan na hindi sa lahat ng lugar or bansa ay merong remittance center kung saan mas pinadali ang pagpadala ng pera sa Pilipinas. Sa mga remittance centers kasi hindi na pinuproblema ng sender kung ano ang SWIFT code ng bangko na papadalhan nya dahil internally sa system ay nakasetup na or correspondent bank/partner na sa Pinas ang bahalang magdeliver sa beneficiary bank para mapasok sa account ng beneficiary.Minsan naman direct transfer na ang nagyayari at wala ng channel para daanan ng padala.Kailangan lang ng account number at account name ng beneficiary at ok na.

Sa pagkakataon naman na kakailanganin mong magpadala thru bank to bank transfer, talagang hihingan ka ng SWIFT code ng Beneficiary Bank sa Pinas. Kaya minsan nagiging hassle pa at dagdag gastos dahil kailangan pang tumawag sa Pinas para maitanong ito sa bangko.Delayed na ung pagpapadala mo, gumastos ka pa. Kaya naman mas mainam na bago magpadala alam mo na agad ang SWIFT code para maiwasan ang ganitong mga pangyayari.

Below is the list of SWIFT Codes for Banks in Philippines:

Allied Banking Corporation – ABCMPHMMXXX
American Express Bank Philippines – AMEXPHMMXXX
Banco de Oro Universal Bank – BNORPHMXXX
Bank of China Manila Branch – BKCHPHMMXXX
Bank of Commerce – PABIPHMMXXX
Bank of the Philippine Islands – BOPIPHMMXXX
China Banking Corporation – CHBKPHMMXXX
Development Bank of the Phil. – DBPHPHMMXXX
East West Banking Corporation – EWBCPHMMXXX
Equitable PCI Bank – PCIBPHMMXXX
Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank – HSBCPHMMXXX
International Comm Bank of China – ICBCPHMMXXX
International Exchange Bank – INXBPHMMXXX
Land Bank of the Philippines – TLBPPHMMXXX
Maybank Philippines Incorporated – MBBEPHMMXXX
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. – MBTCPHMMXXX
Philippine Bank of Communications – CPHIPHMMXXX
Philippine National Bank – PNBMPHMMXXX
Philippine Veterans Bank – PHVBPHMMXXX
Philtrust Bank – Allied Banking Corporation – ABCMPHMMXXX
American Express Bank Philippines – AMEXPHMMXXX
Banco de Oro Universal Bank – BNORPHMMXXX
Bank of China Manila Branch – BKCHPHMMXXX
Bank of Commerce – PABIPHMMXXX
Bank of the Philippine Islands – BOPIPHMMXXX
China Banking Corporation – CHBKPHMMXXX
Development Bank of the Phil. – DBPHPHMMXXX
East West Banking Corporation – EWBCPHMMXXX
Equitable PCI Bank – PCIBPHMMXXX
Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank – HSBCPHMMXXX
International Comm Bank of China – ICBCPHMMXXX
International Exchange Bank - INXBPHMMXXX
Land Bank of the Philippines – TLBPPHMMXXX
Maybank Philippines Incorporated – MBBEPHMMXXX
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. – MBTCPHMMXXX
Philippine Bank of Communications - CPHIPHMMXXX
Philippine National Bank – PNBMPHMMXXX
Philippine Veterans Bank – PHVBPHMMXXX
Philtrust Bank – PHTBPHMMXXX
Prudential Bank – PILBPHMMXXX
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp – RCBCPHMMXXX
Security Bank and Trust Corp – SETCPHMMXXX
Standard Chartered Bank – SCBLPHMMXXX
Union Bank of the Philippines – UBPHPHMMXXX
United Coconut Planters Bank – UCPBPHMMXXX
United Overseas Bank Philippines – UOVBPHMMXXX
Prudential Bank - PILBPHMMXXX
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp – RCBCPHMMXXX
Security Bank and Trust Corp – SETCPHMMXXX
Standard Chartered Bank – SCBLPHMMXXX
Union Bank of the Philippines – UBPHPHMMXXX
United Coconut Planters Bank – UCPBPHMMXXX
United Overseas Bank Philippines – UOVBPHMMXXX

What is SWIFT code?
ISO 9362 (also known as SWIFT-BIC, BIC code, SWIFT ID or SWIFT code) is a standard format of Bank Identifier Codes approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is the unique identification code of a particular bank. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers, and also for the exchange of other messages between banks. The codes can sometimes be found on account statements.


The latest edition is ISO 9362:2009 (dated 2009-10-01). The SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters, made up of:

4 letters: Institution Code or bank code.
2 letters: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code
2 letters or digits: location code (if the second character is "1", then it denotes a passive participant in the SWIFT network)
3 letters or digits: branch code, optional ('XXX' for primary office)

Where an 8-digit code is given, it may be assumed that it refers to the primary office.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_code

Job Trends for the Decade

Share ko lang yung nabasa kong article about forecast on Job Trends for the next decade.Actually the forecast is for US Job Market. But at least for an idea, eh a worth to read. Below is the actual article as written.

Smart Job Picks for 2010

By Michelle Goodman

Thinking of embarking on a new career in 2010, but not sure where to begin? How about with a job that not only pays well but offers considerable stability or, perhaps, even job growth during a recession? After all, a handsome paycheck isn’t worth much if it’s in a field that’s expected to become the next recession casualty. Following are eight of our top picks for gigs expected to be both prosperous and abundant in the coming decade.

Cardiovascular technologist jobs: Between the ongoing need for hospital workers and the aging baby boomer population, this is one career that isn’t going anywhere, says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than 20 books for job hunters, including “150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth expected by 2018 is 24 percent. As the BLS reports, most cardiovascular technologists in training earn at least a two-year technical degree. In addition, some get on-the-job training in the necessary equipment (for example, EKGs). Median annual salary of a cardiovascular technologist: $60,400.

Database administrator jobs: Like health care, information technology remains a hot field with ample opportunity, says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is “New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career.” In other words, she says, “Everyone needs these people.” Whether you’ve acquired the necessary tech skills in the workplace or studied information technology or management information systems in college, a solid foundation in computing is essential, reports the BLS, adding that certifications can only make you more attractive to employers. Median annual salary of a database administrator: $72,600.

Gas/electric/utilities strategic planning analyst jobs: Working in the utilities sector remains a wise bet, no matter what the economy’s doing, Levit says. “They’re just not downsizing at the rate that some other industries are right now. People still have to heat their homes,” she explains. As a bonus, the BLS predicts turnover for utilities positions will be high in the coming decade as older workers retire (in 2008, 53 percent of the utilities workforce was age 45 or older). According to the BLS, of all utilities sector support staff, technology workers and analysts will find themselves best equipped to capitalize on job openings. Median annual salary of a strategic planning analyst, gas/electric/utilities: $68,700.

Accountant jobs: Do you enjoy crunching numbers but worry that the bulk of corporate accounting jobs were eliminated in the wake of the 2008 banking crisis? There’s no need, Levit says. In fact, the BLS estimates that accounting job growth will be 22 percent in the next decade. Plus, “Accountants make a good living, especially those who work with organizations that have been required to meet certain federal mandates,” Levit says. Median annual salary of an accountant: $49,100.

Marketing manager jobs: With a product branding and business management background, you -- and your bank account -- can go far. Organizations from all walks of corporate America need creative folks who can write and analyze a marketing survey, position a product to consumers and the media, and collaborate with market researchers, product managers, and profit-minded accountants. What’s more, the BLS predicts that job growth for marketing managers will be 13 percent through 2018. Median annual salary of marketing manager: $60,200.

Dental hygienist jobs: Of all the jobs that require a two-year technical degree, this one promises the most opportunity in the new decade, boasting a whopping 36 percent job growth rate, Shatkin says. Why? Because “dentists try to shrug off more work to dental hygienists so they can see more patients,” he explains. As a bonus, Shatkin adds, many of these positions are part-time with flexible hours, making them ideal for parents with young children. Median annual salary of dental hygienist: $57,100.

Interior designer jobs: Are you a design blog junkie? The friend everyone calls when they need help sprucing up their living room? Then why not put your artistic flair to work? Although you’ll need to invest in a design degree and acquire the necessary budgeting and software skills, the payoff is worth it, says Shatkin: job growth is expected to be 19 percent through 2018. Median annual salary of interior designer: $46,100.

Occupational therapist jobs: Thanks to the country’s aging population, occupational therapy remains a high-growth field, with 26 percent job growth predicted in the new decade, Shatkin says. If you’re the patient, nurturing sort who thrives on helping people, this could be the career for you. Occupational therapists help people who’ve been sick, injured, or otherwise impaired gain the necessary life skills (using a computer, cooking, dressing, and so on) to return to work or their own home. According to the BLS, nearly a third of occupational therapists work part-time, and a master’s degree and state license are usually required. Median annual salary of occupational therapist: $69,400.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance business journalist and author of “The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube.”

Salary Data Source: Salary data from leding online salary database PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.


Source:  http://www.payscale.com/partnerredirect.asp?emc=20100302&tk=em0310_articleA_h&code=em0310_articleA_h&next=http%3a%2f%2fblogs.payscale.com%2fcontent%2f2010%2f02%2fprojected-job-growth-2010.html