Take charge of your life, while you may still be in the best position to do so. Part 2

In my last post; I discussed that there is no time like the present to take charge of career, while you are still in the best position to do so.

I had suggested there are things you should be doing right now, regardless of whether you were employed. I had suggested that getting your GED or high school diploma, was one of those critical steps. I also suggested that improving your computer skills.

I want to suggest to ways to improve your computer literacy, that cost nothing, or relatively very little.

1. Contact your local library. Libraries often have programs for adult learners. Very often, they offer programs that can help improve basic computer skills.
2. Contact your local Department of Labor. All States have One Stop Centers for Employment to help unemployed job seekers. They often have programs to help users learn computer basics. To find the One Stop nearest you, visit: http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/onestop/onestopmap.cfm
3. Contact your local high school. They often have adult education programs focused on computer skills.
4. Another option would to purchase training DVD's or an online subscription to Microsoft online learning. You can purchase through an office supply store such as Staples or OfficeMax.

There is no time like today to learn/improve your computer literacy and take fuller control of your career.


Darren Flomberg is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Case Manager. He is a vocational rehabilitation counselor who has been serving the Long Island and NY-NJ Metro area for the past 11 years. Additionally, he is a vocational expert witness who has participated in Social Security Disability hearings since 2009.

Take charge of your life, while you may still be in the best position to do so. Part 1

Although it is important to believe that your best days are still ahead; it is also important to balance that optimism with the realism that life may never again be as easy as it is today. I feel this can be especially true when dealing with an illness or medical condition that is unpredictable, or possibly progressive in its course. This is the first post in a series designed to empower you, or the people you help be in the best position to have the life you want.


You may be working today, and yet feel uncertain how much longer you will be able to maintain it. Or you may be out of the workforce now; thinking about returning to the workforce, but feeling unsure if the time is right to do so.


It is important to do what you can to take charge of your career/vocational future while you are most in control. I would recommend taking the following steps while you are working or considering further if returning to work is for you. The last thing you want is to be in a situation where a change is needed, but you are facing obstacles.


Whether or not you are employed, you should take some the following steps today to help ensure your career is easier to manage:

1. If you do not already have a high school diploma, or GED; get it now. Having a high school diploma or equivalent will make you more competitive with job seekers who have this credential. Not only will this credential make you more competitive in the marketplace, it will also help you earn more money over the course of your lifetime.
2. Improve your computer skills. More and more jobs are requiring computer skills. Employers are working an ever-shrinking workforce in an economy of doing-more-with-less. With a smaller workforce, an employer may not have time to train you on computer basics that you should already know.

Stay tuned, the next blog will focus on steps you can take to improve your computer skills.

Darren Flomberg is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Case Manager. He is a vocational rehabilitation counselor who has been serving the Long Island and NY-NJ Metro area for the past 11 years. Additionally, he is a vocational expert witness who has participated in Social Security Disability hearings since 2009.

Welcome to From 1 CRC 2 Another

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor and case manager, who has been in the business of helping people with disabilities for the past 11 years. I dedicate myself to elevating this art. The goals of this blog are to:

1. Empower consumers of vocational rehabilitation services, to become more educated and sophisticated consumers.
2. Empower vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other providers of such services to be the best they can be.

I will sometimes write about specific resources/tools.  I will sometimes write about specific strategies.

I will try to post often to be sure the content is updated.

I know your time and energy are valuable, and you could be doing a billion other things than reading this. Stick with this blog and your job search. They should be worth your while.


Darren Flomberg is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Case Manager. He is a vocational rehabilitation counselor who has been serving the Long Island and NY-NJ Metro area for the past 11 years. Additionally, he is a vocational expert witness who has participated in Social Security Disability hearings since 2009.