Today’s news is grim. Airlines will be charging for checked luggage. Truckers can’t afford to fill up their tanks. Student loans. Milk prices. Etc. You know the list.
So what does a career counselor think about this? I have a similar reaction to you. The first thing I feel is helpless. I do cut back. I do consolidate car trips. But it doesn’t seem to change much.
I also feel grateful. Grateful that I will survive: tough times call for choices, but I’ll be okay.
What do I say to clients? How do we focus on an effective job search? Here are a few thoughts:
- If you have a job, hang on to it.
- Get control of your finances – NOW.
- Network as you never have in your life. Go places. Call old friends.
- Learn one more new skill this year. Your competition is very sharp. Be ready.
- Accomplish something. Have a dazzling success story to tell when that interview finally happens.
- Be involved in current affairs. The more you study national and international affairs, the more you will know how to position yourself into your next job. There is a connection, you know.
- Study history – both globally and personally. Tough, turbulent times are always, inevitably, followed by better times.
- Stay optimistic and let your co-workers and friends see you that way. Being a pessimist in today’s world may make people avoid you, and that’s not what you need.
- It’s a cliche, but true: an attitude of gratitude doesn’t hurt.
To discuss your job search in these turbulent times, please visit www.anneheadley.com for contact information. And please, share your survival strategies with other readers.
