It seems like every time we turn around we’re either hearing or reading about someone getting laid off from their job. The most unfortunate thing about many of these layoffs is that they’re happening to people that have worked at the same job for many years and are nearing retirement but not quite ready to retire. However, layoff is never a good thing. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve been given notice of an impending layoff or your company lays you off without any notice. Read More
If you’re looking for your first job or trying to change jobs you may be fixed on one location. You’ve heard for example that the only place to developing computer games is in California. It’s true for sure that Los Angeles and San Francisco/Silicon Valley are big hubs but that’s not the only shot you have at success. But there are also other opportunities you may not have thought about. Georgia has invested money encouraging computer games companies to move there. Be on the look out for opportunities you may not have thought about. If you are starting out or if you are able to relocate then being open to less obvious locations could be a great choice. Developing computer games in Georgia
Job Action Day is a time to think differently about your job search or changing careers. Many of us get trapped in our old thinking that doesn’t help us achieve our goals. Here are some limiting beliefs that you may have and how you can reframe them for success. Read More
1. Even if you have a job this is not the time to hide out and forget all about your career. It’s the perfect time to plan what comes next.
One of my clients has a job he doesn’t like but in this climate he’s not giving it up soon either. He’s also not giving up on his true career. In fact we are working on what comes next. He knows what he wants but he hasn’t believed he could do it mostly because his family didn’t give him any encouragement. That’s where I come in, working though his limiting beliefs and coming up with practical ways of making his dream job a reality.
2. Put your toe in the water before diving in.
Many of my clients believe that they have have to give up their job to follow their true calling. In a good economy it may be OK to quit a job knowing that you can find a part-time to help with the bills or another full-time job if the dream doesn’t work. But not now.
One of my clients had a day job he hated. He wanted to be a full-time writer but with a family to look after he couldn’t give it all up and move to Montana or Montenegro or Monmouthshire. We worked on how he could transition to his writing career, not by giving everything up but by gradually working on the switch. He started with working on a blog that he could do in his free time and that would begin to produce income that eventually would replace his daytime job.
3. If you’re unemployed be bolder and bigger.
The odds are tough. There are more people looking for jobs than opportunities. So it doesn’t work to be restrained and small in your search. What works in a good job market doesn’t work now.
I am working with a very talented professional in the entertainment business. After a while being out of work we started to work together. Before he had easily got a job by applying online and with the help of a few friends. In this market we worked on increasing his network, gaining mentors and thinking of alternative strategies like working on a “trial” basis and consulting on a contract.
California employers added 32,500 new jobs in January. And although that’s not true for every State it was a good sign. But now things look gloomy again. What does that mean for job hunters?
If you don’t have a job maybe you can be more hopeful. But you still need to keep up the pressure.
1. Do your research. And the results may surprise you. Manufacturing and construction started hiring in January but finance and information lost jobs. Where were those jobs? What can you do to move into the growth areas?
2. Be even more prepared. Work on your resume. Rehearse talking about your accomplishments. Practice your pitch.
3. Network. 80% of jobs are found through networking. So now is the time to be creative. If you have been spending your time at Pink Slip Parties and at Job Fairs start going to other events especially those where job hirers and not just job hunters are hanging out.
If you do have a job then now may be the time to start looking for a new one – not give up your current one – but take a few steps.
Whether we are mired in a deep recession, in the “green shoots” stage or rapidly rebounding out of a recession all depends on who you ask. But as I talk to clients around the country, things are not so great and the feeling is still recessionary.
So, number one priority?
