Current Job Market - or not my first time at this Rodeo
Or yours … What does that mean … Recession? It means that we have survived the “R” word many times and we will survive this one again.
I have been in the business of jobs since 1981 and I can tell you that just about everyone I talk to is living in some form of fear. Fear of losing a job, fear of having to downsize an employee, fear of a spouse, child, friend losing a job or - worst of all - you just lost one yourself.
Unless you are a billionaire (I suspect they have their own form of fears) I bet you can relate.What to do?
Awareness: You must recognize that fear paralyzes! Grab hold of it before it gets you. Challenge that fear. Challenge that worry. Compartmentalize them both. Let’s face it folks, you are not going to stop being afraid or stop worrying. Here’s a trick I learned years ago. Give them time. I decided to worry and to be afraid only one hour each day. A half an hour in the morning and a half an hour in the evening. After that I was “off the clock” and went about my regular business.
Adapt: Do what you have to do until the good times roll again. A friend once told me …
“If you can’t get the whole loaf, take a half a loaf.” If you are unemployed and can’t find the perfect job in your field, take what you can get. Keep some money coming in. Keep moving. Keep working at whatever. Stop longing for the old days and look to the new days. And they are going to be new for all of us. Come on, we know we are all in some form of transition. Even if it’s just changing from a gas-guzzling Lexus truck to a four-door hybrid.
Change is in the air and here’s a quote that may help. “It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent but rather the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin
You are what you tell yourself you are. So just keep telling yourself that you are in transition and that better days are coming. Lie to yourself if necessary and repeat it out loud as much as you can. This is called weathering the storm. Just keep saying I can.
I would rather be like Lauren Bacall. She once said that she just didn’t want to survive any longer. She wanted to prevail. And we will too, if we are aware of what’s really going on, if we adapt and if we know how to manage the fear police. It’s work but you wanted a job anyway. Do this until you get the real one. This is your job now. Mine too. To prevail.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
The best advice here, Peggy, is get SOMETHING!
Laying around watching Dr. Phil is not going to keep the blood (or any money) flowing.
Great first article! Good luck and keep them coming!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:35 am
Wow, you hit the nail right on the head here Aunt Peg and that is to keep working regardless if it’s the career field of choice. This has given me much insight, hope and determination since losing my job. Luckily, pride isn’t getting in my way of grabbing whatever is out there.
Great blog and I can’t wait to read more in days ahead!
June 26th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Finding any job is quite true. I see that it is pressing forward through the fear and worry that is the challenge that keeps many from even getting any job. Pressing forward and not looking back. Fear can paralyze.
Great start to your new form of communication Peg! I know that this is just the beginning too!
June 27th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Thank you Corinne and Chris for inspiring me to do this blog. I sincerely hope it will help some people get through this tough job market place.
Peg
June 27th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it and as an independent consultant can also use the advice. Keep it up! Thanks,
Mary Hoffman
Marython Associates, Inc
June 30th, 2008 at 1:02 am
I agree with Corinne, Peg. Not my first time at this rodeo - whilst it can be daunting, it also can be a door opening to a whole new world. Enjoyed this article across the pond, Peg - look forward to seeing more - also enjoy the election blog too, thanks for keeping me in touch.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Very interesting and insightful. Understanding more of the process of change and recognizing that we have a choice in the power of such change helps to reduce the fear. And, talking about the fear helps to give some perspective to move forward. All very timely information in this current economy … like you said, keep moving. Thanks for sharing your experience.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Great article …Great Blog … I wish I had this back 5 years ago when the depression and 15 pounds settled in on me, I was out of work for 9 months seemed like a life time, then there was light again… we all need somewhere to go, I know I do. But most of all we need information like this and and to know there are others and that we are not alone…
keep it real and stay positive. Fear is a 4 letter word, and people we don’t use that anymore!
Much Luv to my other mother Peg
July 31st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent but rather the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin
This quote says it all in a down economy. Those that can adapt and change will suceed. This is also a good time to think about getting those skills that you’ll need (such as an MBA)! Sorry for my shameless plug - but it is really important to keep your skills and credentials up to date to compete.
thanks Peg!