It's time once again for economics editor Chris Farrell is to help you sort out what's smart, what's stupid and what's the Straight Story. This week, Chris looks at what really matters when it comes to the economy – the outlook for jobs in an increasingly computerized age.

You interviewed for a job and are waiting to hear from the hiring manager. The call comes…and you’re hired. Next: the dreaded salary discussion. Here to tell us how to come away with a starting wage that makes you reasonably happy is Sheila Heen, the co-author of the book Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most.

Last year, Americans purchased 220 million pounds of fireworks. In California, the average Joe can't get much bang for his buck -- most fireworks are illegal. But with the fourth of July weekend upon us, we'll have many opportunities to bask in the red glare of rockets set off by professionals. On this edition of "A Day In the Work Life" -- our look at how folks trade their time for money -- we hang out with a Golden State pyrotechnic operator.

Electronics are the fastest-growing form of solid waste. And part of the problem is that when high tech gizmos break, you can’t usually repair them. On this installment of "A Day In the Work Life" -- our weekly look at how folks trade their time for money -- we meet a fix-it man who prefers gizmos of the past. But is his profession headed for the dustbin of history?