Economic recovery at present and in near future is a debatable topic and many are not certain on what that means for the lost jobs. Will the jobs come back when the recession abates?
I had stalled on this topic for sometime, the layoffs had abated in April and there was much expectation of a turnaround.. but then employers cut 467,000 jobs in June, far more than expected and the jobless rate in the US is at a high high of 9.5 percent.
It makes us worry more on this question, will the lost jobs come back? Should we wait with our current skills and experience to continue in the same field as before or is it time to look at different alternatives? Be it moving to the new clean tech energy sectors or starting a business or learning new skills which prepare us for a new work and work culture in near future; it is the time to explore different answers and not be afraid to ask such questions.
What would you do to prepare for something new or unknown in the future?
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Will the lost Jobs come back
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Post Layoff Thoughts and Advice on Getting Back in the Workforce
I have been reading a lot of articles almost every day on how people are coping with layoffs and the advice online and in the newspapers on how to make a comeback or how to just cope with what you are going through. There is a lot of great advice and thought would compile it all here, of course acknowledging the resource after each of these… hope it helps you or just pass it around to those who might need it.
With the unemployment rate for women in the United States at 5.4 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, women are trying to navigate an economic storm. It has created stress, worry and frustration. But interestingly, many independent women aren't seeking the security blanket of a move back home or even back to college. Rather, they are sticking it out, keeping positive and looking forward to that next job.
Jenny Soucek was laid off in March, three weeks before her 25th birthday, from her job as a production assistant at a local marketing firm…. she believes that it's easier being laid off at a younger age.
Soucek is taking her layoff as an opportunity to pursue a career in health care. She is going back to school for her second bachelor's degree, this time in health care administration.
"I thought, this is a great time to do things I've always wanted to do. ... This is a time for self-betterment," she said.
From Women navigating the storm of unemployment
Sometimes losing your job can be a stepping stone to a better opportunity - it's just a matter of how you look at it.
"I believe everything in life is a choice. You can sit down and cry about what happens to you, or move on.
"Looking back, the layoff was the best thing that could have happened to me, even though I did not see it at the time.
"Believe it or not, it can actually be a good thing to lose your job. It lets you re-evaluate your life. I never reached my full potential in my last job because nobody saw it," she said. "I make it my mission now to help people see their full potential."
From Free career and counselling help offered to laid-off manufacturing workers
"I just got to take my time and not be so anxious," she said.
Through WorkSource, Martinez learned how to make up a resume and cover letter, dress for a job interview and assess what skills she has to offer.
From How to navigate the job hunt
Howell knows he has shouldered more responsibility than a typical high school student, especially in Elkhart's hard-hit economy. But he said he uses the lessons he learned on the football field to put the downturn in perspective.
"Bring it on," he said. "It might seem down and everything, but if you're a hard worker, it'll be OK. I'm ready for any obstacle."
She's not alone in her hopefulness, despite the grim economy. Students in the Class of 2009 are more worried about the future, but they're also surprisingly optimistic, said Steve Schneider, president of the Wisconsin School Counselor Association and an active counselor at Sheboygan South High School in Sheboygan, Wis.
In that economically troubled city, where the manufacturing industry is also seeing big layoffs, high school seniors remain as enthusiastic about their own futures as any 18-year-olds ever are, Schneider said.
They've gotten the message that education will be key to their futures, even if that education might have to come in the form of less-expensive options such as enrolling first at two-year colleges and then transferring, Schneider said.
From The economy has forced graduates and their families to rethink plans
Where to look for jobs or a new career?
"We know that unemployment is persistent, and it's lasting longer than we've seen in a number of decades," Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said in an interview. She said that the administration is directing more resources to job-training programs to try to prepare those out of work for jobs in sectors that are growing.
"We need to put people in new careers, so people who were putting windshields in automobiles can get jobs making solar panels at the same plant," Solis said.
From Job loss numbers painful, hopeful
"I wanted to focus on something with more meaning," Bender said. "And while the pay might not be the same, the benefits are much better."
Michael Orenstein, a spokesman for the US Office of Personnel Management, said job openings are only expected to grow as baby boomers in the workforce retire and federal stimulus dollars create new positions.
The number of positions advertised on http://www.usajobs.gov/, a clearinghouse of federal job openings, has jumped 57 percent over the past two years to more than 47,000.
"The government has thousands and thousands of opportunities for qualified men and women," Orenstein said. "We're looking for new talent and energy and people who desire to be in public service versus kneeling at the altar of the bottom line."
For many, however, working for the government is a career change that comes out of economic necessity.
From Now hiring, your Uncle Sam
Related Posts:
Layoff Back off! You can’t get me Down
Post Layoff 5 Step Successful Comeback Plan
How to be Optimistic during the Job Search Process
What to do after a LayoffAccepting and Dealing with a Layoff
Best Jobs to have during Recession
Monday, June 01, 2009
Is YouTube your new "Hire-Me" Launch Pad
Zee Avi originally posted a video of her first song on YouTube because one of her friends had missed her first performance in Kuala Lumpur, so she created a video on YouTube for him to watch. He convinced Avi to leave the video up, and soon she received positive feedback, which inspired her to put more videos on YouTube. After she was featured YouTube, she attracted the attention of Brushfire Records, with which she would join. Her song "No Christmas For Me" is featured on Brushfire Records's 2008 Christmas album This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday.[4] Her single "Bitter Heart" was first to become available on the US iTunes store, and her full self-titled debut album was released on May 19, 2009.
The above info is from WikiPedia - oh yes she is on Wiki!And if you do not have the talent as Zee but you can do something creative and eye catching then how about asking for a job the simple way (except for the paper wastage, this video did catch a lot of attention - not sure whether Mark got the job or not; do let me know if you get to know) ->
Polish up your next production on YouTube and who knows you might land a great job or a contract that you have only dreamed about as yet.
Good luck!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Beware - Bogus Job and Career Websites may be an Identity Theft Trap
With the U.S. unemployment rate approaching double digits, it is not surprising that many Americans are prepared to do whatever it takes to gain employment. In fact, data security experts at Kroll Fraud Solutions have seen some consumers resort to a “desperate times call for desperate measures” approach, loosening their data security practices by divulging personal information to recruiters, businesses, and job search sites alike in the hopes of increasing their chances of securing a job.
The bad news is that identity thieves are well aware of this increased vulnerability among job seekers and use it to their advantage. The good news is that understanding the risks before you begin your job search can not only help you avoid identity theft, it can make your job search more productive, too. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2006 Identity Theft Survey Report, 10% of all respondents who said they were victims of identity theft spent 55 hours or more resolving the problem. That’s time that could be better spent on your job search!
Below, Jeremy Miller, director of operations at Kroll Fraud Solutions, outlines some of the key factors job seekers should keep in mind to protect their personal information during the job search process. At Kroll, Miller oversees a highly skilled team of veteran Licensed Investigators who support identity theft victims by restoring their identities to pre-theft status.
1. Remember: your resume is a hot commodity.
Resumes are an essential tool for someone looking for a job. After all, they say a lot about you and your professional background – information which is very important to potential employers. Still, there are some items that should never be disclosed, particularly if you intend to post your resume on career Web sites like Monster and USAJobs. Social Security Number (SSN), driver’s license number, and date of birth should never appear on a resume. The same goes for job applications: you might consider writing “prefer to provide this information during the interview” in the fields where these pieces of personal information are requested.
2. Proceed cautiously with career Web sites.
Not all job posting Web sites are created equal. Make sure you review the privacy policy and user terms and agreements before you post your resume on a career Web site. You may also want to do some online research to ensure that the site you are working with is credible When in doubt check with online resources such The World Privacy Forum’s Consumer's Guide to Online Job Sites. That said, it’s important to remember that no matter how credible the site or how well it safeguards the data it keeps, no one can guarantee what happens to your resume after it has been downloaded by a recruiter or potential employer. For that reason, you may want to inquire if the site allows you to mask your name and contact information, thus giving you the ability to choose who can and cannot contact you.
3. Know how to spot bogus job ads.
Job-related identity theft scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Despite the best screening efforts used by career sites, scammers always find a way in. You might be looking at a fake job ad if it:
o Offers considerable pay with few to no duties
o Promises payment of wages in cash
o Contains no physical address or contact person
o Requires you to open a new bank account or accept company checks to “test” a wire transfer service
Most employment sites offer information on known scams, and should be notified immediately if you suspect that a posted job isn’t legitimate. You can also conduct an internet search on the company or check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if the potential employer has a bad reputation.
4. Keep a record of your job search activity.
Maintaining good records will not only help you track the progress of your search, but it will also provide a “paper trail” in the event you become a victim of identity theft. Record where and when you distribute your resume, maintain lists of contact information for businesses and recruiters/representatives you come in contact with, and keep track of any additional information (e.g., applications, etc.) you provide to prospective employers.
5. Carry good data security practices with you offline.
Keeping personal information off a resume is only the first step—other vulnerable situations include phone interviews, job fairs, and e-mail and phone conversations with recruiters. Scammers know that as long as someone thinks an offer is genuine, they are more likely to provide sensitive information. Make sure that you know who you’re talking to and never divulge any personal information if you have doubts about their credibility. It is important to remember that virtually all legitimate businesses or recruiters will not ask for your SSN or other information until after you have begun a formal interview process.
6. Think before your post!
Social networking sites (e.g., LinkedIn and Facebook) and are a great way of communicating your talent and expertise with a larger community of individuals. But sometimes staying connected comes at a cost. What many do not realize is that the more information you reveal online, the greater your chances of having that information accessed by the wrong person. Carefully consider what information you include on your profile page. For example, is it really necessary to share your date of birth and address with potential employers? When in doubt, remember this: if you wouldn’t give this information to a stranger on the street – you probably don’t want to put it online for the world to see.
About Kroll
Kroll’s Fraud Solutions is the world’s leading risk consulting company, providing a range of investigative, intelligence, financial, security and technology services to help clients reduce risks, solve problems and capitalize on opportunities. Its clients include Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and government entities dealing with healthcare, financial services, insurance, consumer service and any activity involving the collection and use of personal information, Visit www.krollfraudsolutions.com to learn more.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
5 Ways to find out if Entrepreneurship is for you
If the answer to these is yes, then entrepreneurship can be for you:
- You are brimming with numerous innovative (or at least a couple) ideas and you can visualize how to translate your dreams into practical ideas and above all you are passionate and persistent to work towards making your dreams see the daylight.
- You can take control of managing your time and do not need anyone else to monitor your tasks and goals. You are self-directed and motivated when working solo.
- You understand and are hands on the basic financial management – preferably mid-level if not expert. You understand what cash-flow and marketing plans mean to the survival of a business.
- You may be an introvert or an extrovert but will not shy away from self-promotion and learning cutting edge marketing and sales pitch.
- Are not easily discouraged by failures and know how to bounce back from set-backs.
If you scored a yes on all 5, then go ahead and plan more on how to be an entrepreneur.
Related Posts:
Entrepreneurship for Women Re-entering Workforce
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Top 5 Reasons why you want to Work Part-Time
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What do you want to be when you grow up?
Where do you see yourself in your present job say 6 years from now? If not where you are at present, what would you rather do –
Join another company in similar field but with different responsibilities – either to earn more than you do at present or for power position opportunity?
Or
Just do what inspires you and was a cherished dream somewhere back down the lane when making a dough pile was not the incentive to work?
What did you want to be when you were young and what do you want to be when you grow up?
Layoffs are forcing many of us in entrepreneurship and personal ventures for which we never had time before. A recent AARP study provides new evidence that suggests career changes work out well for the overwhelming majority of older workers because of reduced stress and flexible work schedules.
According to an article titled “Older workers embrace career change, less stress” in USAToday:
Not many people would willingly leave the security of an established doctor's practice for a job in a kitchen.
Krinn did that at age 62, going to work for his son, a chef and restaurateur. Seven years later, he has no regrets about having given up doctor's dough to create and knead bread dough, which he does at Jonathan's chic restaurant Inox in Tysons Corner, Va.
"One day I was in the office and the next day I was a full-time breadmaker," he said.
Krinn had enjoyed cooking and baking bread for his family for decades. If his son hadn't gone into business, he figures he'd still be doing that, along with practicing ophthalmology.
But like the study subjects, a change for a new occupation presented itself and he embraced it. Now his transition may serve to inspire older workers who are looking for a new career with different challenges.
"If you pursue things that interest you when you're younger, who knows where it can lead to?" he said. "You find out that you could actually go into what you got a kick out of all those years."
Now what do you want to be when you grow up?
Layoff Back off! You can’t get me Down
- Get your emotions together – focus on the positives
- Schedule your time
- Prioritize tasks
- Take time to de-stress – workout, walk, laugh
- Organize your workspace and job search plan
- Attend relevant and motivational seminars, network – meet people
- Acquire new skills, gain knowledge
- Seek help from experts
- Seek answer to this question – How will I emerge better from this experience?
During a layoff it is tough to act tough but that is what you have to do. A very inspirational reading here that I would like to share with you today from Sri Sri Ravishankar (a spiritual and humanitarian leader, he is the founder of the international Art of Living Foundation):
by Sri Sri Ravishankar
How to free yourself from the grip of storms? This is the only basic problem in this universe. The first thing is to become aware of it and stop regretting it. Like waves come and go storms in your life too will subside. No one storm can be there for ever. One storm comes and subsides, another comes and subsides and it goes on. As the storm subsides, you experience that inner cool, soft, delicate aspect of yourself. In that space of calm, all the anxiety, fear, feverishness lose their grip on you and you become yourself again. Love dawns.
When you stop resisting the storms of life and start accepting them with open arms, they will subside on their own. That is the purpose of all spiritual practices, or sadhana, and meditation. When you realize that somebody really cares for you, you feel at rest and all fears and insecurities drop off.
You keep running away from small things -- your feelings, sensations, desires -- and this leads to more feverishness. Realize that like the ocean cannot be there without the waves, storms are inevitable in your life. Every storm touches you somewhere and makes you grow stronger. A storm pulls you out of your likes and dislikes and purifies you. So accept all that comes with both arms open. [...] Even when the storms come, you are still the same ocean, as deep as ever.
This realization is the culmination of knowledge. When this knowledge dawns, you rise above events; you grow out of them. Everybody in the world goes through crises, insecurities, confusions. It's like drowning in the ocean of life. But the person with the life jacket can survive even the worst turmoil. So keep your life jacket of knowledge handy.
[...] Do not be in a hurry to get rid of the storms, be with them. Looking for perfection creates imperfection inside you. If you are peaceful, everything around you becomes peaceful. You are the center of this universe. Wherever you go, you carry your own mind, and wherever you go, you will create your own storms. It may appear to be calm and quiet for sometime but the storm will surface sooner or later. Unless you realize this, nothing will hold. There is no other permanent solution. Don't resist the storms, instead see them as an amazing play of your personality.
Related Posts:
5 Essential Tips on Thriving after a Layoff
How to be Optimistic during the Job Search Process
What to do after a Layoff
Accepting and Dealing with a Layoff
Best Jobs to have during Recession
Post Layoff 5 Step Successful Comeback Plan
