TIP #3, March 2010

Conducting a career search in response to unemployment

Special thanks to J. Smith of Maryland, who asked for more focus on those currently unemployed. Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated, to help deliver value to you, my subscribers.

 

 

 

If you’re considering a career change in response to unemployment, you may be finding it difficult to stay proactive and optimistic. What to do? Where to start? How to avoid getting discouraged and/or overwhelmed? Here are 3 suggestions:

 

1. Focus on what you can control Powerlessness is a common affliction for the unemployed and always disabling. Try these ways to keep a positive mindset while extending the scope of your search: Networking; perfecting a skill or learning a new one; mentoring or volunteering in an organization related to your field. 2. Do everything possible to minimize financial pressure Act now! If you’re still employed, consider a home equity loan or extending credit limits. If you’re already out of work, assume 3 to 6 months without income and make a plan to deal with it. You may not need that long, but having a plan always helps. 3. Summon your best creative thinking Remember the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results! Look for a new approach. For instance: a) Broaden the scope of your search. What other sectors or applications for your skills might you explore? What short-term lateral move could you make in order to acquire skills or experience that position you well when hiring picks up? b) Take advantage of unemployment to explore career possibilities you’ve previously considered out of reach. Consider working with a career coach to optimize your resources and get a knowledgeable sounding board.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Did you know….?*

[*New Facts, Trends and Resources for career searchers]

The Green Technology industry is on the rise! Jobs are being created for teachers, project managers, etc as well as those with green expertise.

"The greening of American industry is in full bloom. Consider the numbers: From 1998 through 2007, the number of green U.S. jobs shot up 9.1%, while the rest of the workforce saw an increase of 3.7%. President Obama is certainly doing his part to make sure such progress continues apace: His stimulus bill dedicated $30 billion to exploring and expanding clean-energy technologies, and in January a $2.3 billion in tax credits went to companies developing new energy ideas and solutions. Here we take a look at five places (San Francisco, Portland, Detroit, Boston and NYC) that are making the most of this decidedly green moment in the economy."
www.fastcompany.com/1567486/green-jobs-top-five-cities

Also see Carol McClelland, Green Careers for Dummies .

 

Working with a coach on career development or change can greatly enhance your satisfaction with the outcome. If you’d like to discuss how I can assist you, please <contact me.

If you have friends or colleagues anticipating a career change, please forward this to them and invite them to subscribe.

Visit the Career Search Tips archives.