I know providing your own input on a blog can seem a wasteful task. However, many job seekers are simply losing faith in society as a whole. Being without a job, not being able to pay the accumulating bills, and listening to doom and gloom are providing the ingredients for demoralization in job seekers that can use your help!
What does your experience tell you about our current economic catastrophe? Do you ever recall spending so much time basking in an overload of doom and gloom, delivered on an hourly basis from our mediasphere? I know for myself every night is a tiring channel surfing event. Eagerly searching the abundance of cable channels to find that one station going out on a limb and offering a glimmer of hope.
I listen to the news now and at times they equate the current distress to that of the later '80's. Quite honestly, I was fresh out of high school and don't recall these levels of negative hourly news breaks. I also don't recall much chatter about it from my dad, mom or other "working adults". Being in my early 20's, I am pretty sure the economy was not the first priority on my wondering mind. My social calendar certainly didn't co-mingle with the "real world" so much in those days.
In the 1990's, I can recall working several jobs. Although there may have in fact been some economic troubling years in the 1990's, I surely didn't feel the effect. Quite honestly, I didn't notice any recession tremors at all. This is the first recessionary period that I feel the effects, see the effects and think of the effects throughout the course of my day.
The media has just about everything to do with this lingering pesimism. The television with its 24-hour new stations all repeatedly talking about the crisis our global world economy is facing. The Internet is another playground for such torturous negativity. Millions and millions of voices versus hundreds of cable channels being updated every second of everyday.
There are so many people today worrying about either losing their job or searching for one. It's hard enough to go through that and even harder to hear such barrages of negativity from everywhere they turn. Where should they look for help? Will the stimulus plan(s) really help? Can a government really help people with their economic problems? Are the elected officials really experienced in solving these problems? Did the majority of these elected officials own a business that had to generate money which provided payroll for their employees? Isn’t there some validity to the saying “give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach a man to fish you’ll feed him for a life time”.
A blog usually has someone’s opinions about a subject but I’m more interested in what others have to share about their experiences with an economy in turmoil. I'm not looking for any elaborate answers (though you may certainly bloviate as much as you'd like), as any shared experiences will go a long way towards my objectives here.
If you have experienced recessionary periods like this, what can your experiences share? If you recently got let go of your previous job and were fortunate enough to find a new job, please share your feedback.
If you are a recruiter what are you doing to help out your candidates in this market?
Share your points. I believe your experiences can help people to figure out what they need to do. If you have a website offering services that can help - here is a place to inform of that service.
If we can all pitch in and share positive result experiences, it would do a world of good!
Monday, March 16, 2009
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12 comments:
I guess I will be the first. I worked for Motorola close to 14 years fresh out of college.The first time I was laid off was back in '03 due to 9/11 and many of our vendors canceling orders for our projects.
Eight months later and allot of soul searching I was rehired. My outlook on my career was more focus, I knew sooner or later I would be down this path again. So I decided this time around to get involved in allot of projects, hone my skills, assist my co-workers with projects basically my goal was if I got let go again I could safely say, I came out with more knowledge and skill.
Six years later I was laid off, my last day with the company was 1st of February of this year. I walked out with a feeling of mission accomplish, and a positive sense that it was not a waste of time.I have learned allot, I met allot of great people and I moved on...
My family and I relocated to N.C near Raleigh.Sure am a bit intimidated moving without having a job, but I feel confident with my positive outlook in life and what I was able to accomplish sooner or later I should be able to find work.
What I have learn from all this, you have control of your career, you are responsible for making yourself marketable. I learn to treat work like a school, always have an open mind, and always be willing to learn, you never know when those skills will be helpfull.
I can say that this is the first time for me; I was laid off 5 months ago and have been working hard to find re-employment. At first it was a frantic search, wondering if I was going to make it through. I have had a job since I was 15, putting my college and getting a career in advertising. Easily to say that at 32, I was not mentally ready to be laid off. After a while though I have embraced it, focused on what I want out of a career and what I want. Although we are all in this together and it is tough, it is also a good time to reflect and grow into a new position, one you can build for yourself. the job trekker
Dear Greg,
I read your blog and completely understand your frustrations, however, allow me to make a few suggestions (some may be controversial, some not).
1) Write down on a sheet of paper the following: "What happened to me was not my fault". File this sheet of paper in your dresser droor and leave these feelings with that sheet of paper.
2) Thank God everyday for life, health and the positive support from your loved ones during these very difficult times. Make sure that your supporters know and understand your appreciation.
3) Limit your exposure to the news. Bad news sells and the media is in a feeding frenzy. I am not suggesting that you hide in a cave and ignore what's happening in the world but one can only be exposed to such much negativity. If enough people turn off the news then network ratings will fall and it will force the media to start reporting different news.
4) Surround yourself with positive people. This also means to avoid negative people at all costs.
5) Stay focused and wake up everyday with a positive attitude. Bitterness and frustration can be heard in the sound of your voice and in your written communications.
6) Don't waste your time looking for a job on the Internet. That's where the other 6 million Americans are spending their time.
7) Learn from what you experience each day and grow from these experiences.
8) Take time for yourself and your loved ones. They deserve your time as well.
9) Send your resume to people that work in other industries. If they cannot understand what you do or what you have accomplished, could an employer?
10) Be flexible. Be willing to relocate. Be willing to spin your talents to target other industries.
These are just a few random suggestions. Keep your chin up. You will persevere!
I read this with a lot of concern and thinking about all those who lost their jobs, especially those who have commitments, I never tried to write any comment on any blog before, but this caught my attention, and yes I agree that the media played a big role in widening the crisis, here in Kuwaiat; a small rich country, but still we were affected by this crisis and thousands lost their jobs.Where I work, we had to move from the 2nd floor to the fifth in order to cut expenses, and till now no one is thrown out yet, but everybody is really worried that they will start using that policy. As for me I ended my contract with the company after working there for 17 years, I am starting a small business with my children, I hope it works out, and I guess it will be more safer being your own boss after many years of experience. Good luck for those who are still in their jobs, and those who lost it, there is always light and hope at the end of the road, never give up have faith in yourself and get up stronger after the fall.
Jeff, this is what I do full-time. Not placement but rather assisting with the job search process, techniques, and transition of skills, strengths, and talent. Additionally, I speak on related issues to reengage employees that are left behind from lay-offs.
Here are tips for job candidates: Stop listening to negative information (the news is always negative). Respond quickly, passionately, and optimistically to jobs. I know that a large bank in the Dallas area had 250 openings that were closed in 36 hours with about three recruiters working on it. Simply put you need your name in the game. First impressions count and sometimes that first impression is a targeted resume (one page summary). Then once they show interest offer the detailed resume.
Finally, who did you meet new this week? The more new people that get to know you will shorten your job search dramatically. Go as a guest to a professional association meeting that relates to your job desired. Sit with your peers they will know where it is hot and not.
Bill Fenson
www.billfenson.com
I've been there several times in my 40+years of manufacturing experience. Most recently in October when the company laid off 90% of the staff. I'm fortunate to be able to consult and find that there are many consulting opportunities. No medical benefits so either pay your own or hope nothing happens. I do have a pamplet I created to help if and when the interview comes along. E-mail me and I'll send it to you free.
fred@peipharmaconsulting.com.
Dear Greg,
I understand, not having job can be frustrating and demoralizing.I work as an IT consultant and am strong believer in positive believing. Every morning , I start my day by reading my cheat sheet on positive thinking and with pledge to compliment at least 5 people for their work or actions. It is very important to spread the goodness since it creates positive environment around us. I understand, it is not possible to be happy during bad times but try to purport that image. I share the viewpoints of earlier bloggers and would add two key points
-- Never proscratinate, this breeds negative attitude.
-- Improve your skills, since that is the only thing that you can do without being dependent on others.
Having positive outlook in life drives your thinking process and subsequently, affects your decisions/actions. During bad times, It is very important to avoid hesty, frantic decisions. Don't let these feelings subdue your true potential.
I work in IT, So, I keep exploring future trends of market and what type of skills will be needed to run these businesses of future. Recently, I read one interesting article on honing specific IT skills that would sell most. So, I started with profiles of local companies. I listed type of companies that are around. I live in Raleigh, NC and there are plenty of CRO, heathcare and SCM logistics related companies. So, other job seekers can do the same. Then I started researching what skills are needed to get into these , in case I loose my job. Develop those skills which these companies may need in future. Read in news about these companies esp. financial or tech web sites if company is public.
At last, I would close my blogging with offer to share knowledge. I believe in sharing knowledge since that is one way, I can improve. Life is about constant Improvement. I've good experience on database, datawarehousing ,BI, ERP , CRM suites. These skills will remain in demand. I would help anyone who would further share and help others.
When it is the first time you get laid off it hurts. After that you realize it is nothing personal, just business. Think of all the other people in the same situation.
If you have enough reserves, this is the time to make a move, go on a holiday, take a course. You'll be happy you did when you eventually get that new job.
If you do not have enough spare money, consider looking for a job one level below where you are. You'll outshine the other candidates and the lower pay will only be temporary. Be open to contract or temp jobs, or vice versa.
Good luck!
If you notice the same tone for many folks who have posted here don't pay attention what they media are reporting, they're only good for making a mountain out of an ant hill.
Also use networking sites like Linkedin, and many others. I been contacting head hunters directly, when they post opportunities on linkedin...sometimes the opportunities are not what am looking for but the more exposure you get with these folks you better your chances...and like everyone else have been saying stay positive I know is hard..
I've done more in one lifetime than most do in ten, not because I specifically set out to do it. I've never been money or prestige motivated, although its nice when it comes. I've held an ethical and moral code that often prompted me to leave jobs and at times I've experienced a lengthy gap as I reoriented and responded to the next door opening.
My spiritual path has helped me to reconcile the 'tension' between positions as I have long practiced imagineering and/or visioneering. Building the bridge between present and future positioning is a challenge for sure, but it can be a great asset for the strength of your character. Deep inside you know you have something to offer, right? Anchor your truth.
Meanwhile, there are many opportunities around you if you just pick your head up and look. Income can be had in a variety of ways, both ethically and morally, while you are creating the next opening. I say 'you are creating' because I understand the process and procedures of putting your faith to the test and having it proven. The key is your attitude.
I've experienced chaos in my life so often (some think I create it purposefully), that I've learned to love it - it leads to the next phase of order every time. The challenge for most is usually the process of change. Funny how the words are only three letters different. Remove the 'lle' and you have change. I refer to it as liabilities, limitations and excuses. When you remove them, you have change automatically.
When facilitating road and bridge construction partnerings, the same types of issues arise - creating methodologies to work through known problems with the contract specs and/or jobsite issues.
I would recommend that job seekers look at the process as a phase of project management for their life - putting the tools to work for yourself and stepping away from the emotions if you can. I believe your attitude will adjust itself accordingly. A changed attitude creates a different world, where serendipitous events can unfold.
May your dreams mold future realities. I've got some free tools on my website: BeTheDream-LifeCoach.com
Looking at these posts clearly indicates that many people are going through a career transition at this time. Sounds like many are doing it with a positive attitude, which is attractive to your next employer. I'm heartened by what I've read here. Do you remember the "good old days" (2007?) when you used to complain about your job? Let's all of us, working or not, support the enterprise of all. Now is the time for people who have some thing to give (a job, a purchase of products or services that will really help someone else) to do that. And let us all be ready to receive graciously.
Holy Shit-this was depressing! STOP with the doom and gloom! It's getting better not worse stop scaring people to death.
1. do not blast your resume anywhere.
2. Get a free analysis of your resume
3. Customize for ever job posting.
4. Customize a cover letter.
5. Keep it short and accomplishments come first.
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