The New Year might see more layoffs and less employers hiring, which sure equates to more people out of job and permanent positions would be hard to come by for sometime at least. The alternatives to a permanent full time job include part-time work, contract jobs and all, but there are other options too which you could explore and see what suits best to you.
New work arrangements might be the call of the times for many in the US and around the world as the world braces for some tough times as a result of recession and widespread job losses.
Some of the ‘non full-time jobs’ options that you could consider are:
Employment as apprentices or trainees
If you have been in a layoff and for some reason do not intend to go back to the industry you have worked with, and can sustain financially for some time at least; then considering a career change could be one fabulous (forced) opportunity for you now. And since it is difficult to (successfully) change careers without having the right skill set, seeking employment or voluntary work as apprentice or trainee could be an option now. Seek training in the area of specialization where the jobs would be in future. The US department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has some good information on its website http://www.doleta.gov/OA/ . (For the readers not in the US, check out your government website for related information, there are also many career centers in various cities which can provide in information on vocational training institutes etc.).
Freelance
Freelance - Use your skills and talents and work on your own from where you want. Many website provide the tools and advertising you need to be visible to those who might need your skills, but you must first know how to market yourself and if at all it would be worth spending the time freelancing either in the short-term or long-run. You must build a reputation and credibility before you see yourself ‘thriving’ as a freelancer. There are better resources out there to research on freelancing if you are attracted to the idea, some of these are:
http://www.gofreelance.com/
http://www.ifreelance.com/
http://www.getafreelancer.com/
Small business opportunities
Start your own business – it is not the time to sit and think that nothing would work out if you started your business now in a bad economy. The world is always on the move and people need solutions to their problems. So if you present an answer to someone’s need be it as a product or a service, you might fare better as an entrepreneur than in any permanent job. Often we do what we have been doing or what are skills or education were, only when a major change happens for example a layoff and finding another job in the same field is extremely difficult it is time to reinvent your career and being your own boss (if you have the aptitude of course) cold be one of the most lucrative careers and opportunity of a lifetime.
Franchise options
It might be a good time to get into franchise business; there are reports of quite a few of the systems are cutting down on the fees to attract more franchisees in the economic downturn. Research well and assess your financial situation well before getting into the franchise market. Although most of those selling you on franchise options will try their best to convince that it is easy to get loans and start the business right away; it is always wiser to research on your own and calculate running costs and your capability to commitment to a business in the long-run.
However, be aware that running a franchise means a lot of work, do not expect the profits to come by any easier just because you bought a franchise of an already established business. Also there is a of of legal work involved so things could be slow to start-up initially. It is best to consult someone already in the business to get some first-hand analysis.
Related Posts:
Best Jobs to have during Recession
How to Find a Job when there are none around
How is the Job Outlook for 2009?
Recreate and Diversify in a Recession
In a Tough Economy will Freelance Thrive
Blogging as a Career
What to do after a Layoff
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Alternatives to a Permanent Full Time Job
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Integrity Dividend - A Book Review
How many times have you bought a product on someone's recommendation? Or just because you knew that the designer was well known and respected in his/her field?
If you have two job offers offering you the same money and responsibilities but one company is an industry leader whereas the other is just starting off; what are the odds that you would be going for the one which is more respected or known?
THE INTEGRITY DIVIDEND by Tony Simons is one such book that you would love to add to your leadership series collection. Tony Simons is an expert on trust in the workplace and in his book Simons reveals the results of an in-depth study he did with thousands of employees at a U.S. hotel chain, proving that the integrity of leaders is key to their success and the financial success of their companies.
Simons has found that employees who believe that their managers can be counted on to keep their word, show deeper commitment to the business, leading to lower employee turnover and superior customer service – which in turn results in higher profitability.
Jim Kouzes in his wonderful foreword nails the truth behind a great and respected leader, he says: when you are credible you do what you say you will do. DWYSYWD. It’s the most important leadership lesson you will ever learn.
The book brings together lessons that we all need to take back home on leadership on combining personal integrity, discipline and accountability that ultimately defines how dependable and respected leader you are or can be.
Simons says; The integrity dividend is power. When you and others know that you live by your word, you become able to shape the world around you in surprising ways. People cooperate better, even if they do no know you well.
What I loved about the book was the summary at the end of each chapter; Simons puts together the main points one must consider or question which forces one to think and self-assess and then brings forwards some points to act on to reinforce your practice into well defined actions. It forces one to think on how much effective we are influencing people and leading ethically and mindfully.
So why must you read this book?
If you are a CEO, manager, leader, entrepreneur, or aspiring to be one of these some day then this book would be a good read to strengthen the basic principles of working ethically and learn that howsoever old-fashioned you may term the words 'intergrity', 'trust', 'promise', 'living by your words' or 'honesty'; they still form the main pillars that defines a good leader. Through simple examples throughout the book you will see how you can solve the day to day problems at the workplace. Simons rightfully says “Building habits of integrity is a challenge. I invite you to take it on, because it pays a dividend.”
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Wednesday, December 03, 2008
How is the Job Outlook for 2009?
According to CNNMoney.com,
"the prediction that this recession may end around the middle of 2009 is not unreasonable, but even if accurate it disguises the critical question: What kind of a recovery is likely to follow? The answer is: probably a gradual one, unlike the more typical (but not universal) pattern of the economy coming out of most past recessions roaring ahead, propelled by pent-up consumer demand.
The healing process of a deeply wounded banking system, that has already led to nearly $1 trillion of write-downs, will act as a weight around the neck of any economic recovery in the latter part of 2009. Banks will likely continue the slow process of recapitalization and cleaning up the mountains of toxic assets on their balance sheets for a period longer than just the next few quarters.
That task will become even more challenging in the months ahead, as the recession itself will tend to generate an additional amount of toxic assets in their portfolios, impairing their ability to resume a more normal pace of lending. So, even though the economy may technically emerge from the recession in the second half of 2009, the recovery may initially become more of an issue of semantics rather than a robust turnaround in economic activity."
With such a prediction around, it is more likely that the job market would be pretty much under freeze most of the next year. The nations’ unemployment rate is on the rise and some of the states are more affected than others (those predominantly relying on manufacturing and other areas which are seeing major job cuts); there would be only few regions which would not be affected by this major recession which leaves a deeper mark because of the fall of the major financial institutions. Already many companies have gone through major layoffs and cut back in their spending for the year, it would not be a shock to see many more coming in the year 2009.
With a sluggish economy, hiring freeze and forecast of more job losses, what should you do if you are someone looking for a job (you could be a fresh graduate, someone reentering the workforce, or someone who has recently been in a layoff)?
It is right that there are many layoffs around and hiring is tougher than ever before, but many government plans would soon be underway to ensure employment increases to boost economy, it would be wise to research and analyze where the funds are being invested – renewable energy sector, solar energy, green-tech, bio-medical or research and development – the world is not going to stop for this recession. If jobs are being slashed in some areas there are others which will be thriving, so be ready for change and the first step is to be well-informed.
If you are not in the US, it is well worth some time spent on research to find out if your country has a similar publication on careers and jobs informing you on the training and education needed to get a job, earnings estimate, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job and the working conditions for a particular job sector.
Job fairs are still going, although you will see longer lines and less smiling faces but at least you will get some first hand info of the scenario in your region.
Please also share your tips by adding them in the comments to this post on how to find a job during a recession.
Related Posts:
Managing your Career during Recession
Best Jobs to have during Recession
Recreate and Diversify in a Recession
What to do after a Layoff
Accepting and Dealing with a Layoff
Best Jobs to have during Recession
How to be Optimistic during the Job Search Process
Who all to Contact when Looking for a Job
Post Layoff 5 Step Successful Comeback Plan
Learning from a Layoff – is it the Right Time to Innovate and be Independent?
Is the Bleak Economic Scenario affecting our Lives at Work?
