I have to disagree with you. My husband, who was in upper management, recently got layed off and with no jobs there’s no Plan B to fall back on. He even thought about taking a job that was under him and there are none. He want’s to work and the only thing stopping him is the lack of jobs!!!!! Some people just can’t do “independent” jobs.
Believe me, we never thought this was going to happen but I guess now it can happen to anyone and even though you have a great plan for the “what ifs” you have to realize that the economy is bad and you may actually struggle.
I don’t want to say that your ideas are bad but maybe realize that until this happens to you, you have no idea how hard it is out there.
@Kathleen – So you’re not doing anything to combat unemployment? Are you just hoping that a job will drop out of the sky? Your husband can’t use years in upper management to do independent work or you just haven’t been forced to try it yet?
I don’t mean to be blunt but that’s exactly what this post is about. I don’t know a single motivated person that can’t do independent work. The most socially reserved and non-entrepreneurial person from my high school is making high five figures doing direct sales because she had to (she was backed into a corner with an early life divorce and a child). I’ll tell you what’s really easy: telling someone that they have no idea what you’re going through. It isn’t that difficult to understand. What’s really hard is getting out there and deciding to at least try to control your destiny instead of hoping that a magic job will fall from the sky. That’s the only part of your argument I can’t understand.
“People who are afraid of not having a job worry because they only know how to make money one way” This is, I think, the real meat of the issue. For those not used to thinking in a broad sense about who they are and what they want to accomplish, the idea that you can (and should) pursue multiple avenues of work and create additional income streams can be difficult, even scary. If you went to school for 4, 6, or 8 years with the intent to get into a particular vocation, what happens when the bottom drops out for the entire industry? Or, as in our current situation, every industry…I don’t think its realistic to expect to completely alleviate any struggling should the day come that you lose your primary source of income, but having something, anything, to fall back on is always good practice.
The timing of your post is perfect, as I have just been talking to a colleague of mine about the fact that some job seekers need to stop looking for the traditional opportunity and start thinking about how to create non-traditional income streams. This is a good time to take your show on the road, so to speak. Many companies are laying off their “in-house” departments and looking to freelancers to get the job done.
I really feel for Kathleen and her husband – and all of the people out there who are throwing up their hands because there are “no jobs.” You need to either work to ensure that you will be competitive to land the jobs that are out there (and there ARE jobs out there) or be willing to start focusing on transferable skills, retraining and creating opportunities for yourself.
I am starting “accountability groups” for job seekers to try to help job seekers take advantage of their options BEFORE they get desperate and depressed. I’d advise anyone facing a job hunt to seek professional resume and job hunting advice. There are paths out there – knowing which way to go and how to get there takes a little know-how. This post is a great reminder that there is no need for hand wringing!
I will agree with everyone, now is the time to be thinking outside of the box. I mean look at the guy that stood outside of wallstreet with his resume posted on his body (well kind-of). But do we really have to come to that? Maybe it was my husbands fault for putting all his eggs in one basket, but for the 5+ years he was very successful and it worked for him. People shouldn’t be blamed for doing what worked and in a time like this should not be worried. Finding those “outside the box” jobs are hard for people who haven’t had to go there and others should understand that. If I was to lose my job tomorrow I would easily find a job quicker than my husband because I do have a long list of skills. But it is a scary world out there and I’m just frustrated with the people who deny to see it.
Yes, it’s “hard” out there. But, to be frank, harder only means more competitive to me. Which is fine, as long as I’m willing to face the competition. I am currently looking for work and dealing with a mortgage – trust me, there are nights when I wonder how I’m going to survive financially for the next month. But, I can’t let that fear “freeze” me into a hopeless mindset. I keep myself busy with projects that I enjoy and will enhance my resume, I continue to network and “sprint” as hard and fast as I can to my next goal.
Monica, I do agree that those are good ideas. But sometimes there are things outside of one’s control. Not everyone can afford unemployment insurance. Not everyone has the time or even just the know how to make another viable stream of income — or the initial capital which many things take. And no matter how much people are willing to work, there just aren’t enough jobs right now for everyone. I don’t say this to discourage people from trying, and I do think attitude is very important. However, I’ve watched as some highly motivated, hard working, creative people have looked and looked and looked for a job or at least some way to make money. One friend in particular comes to mind who has never had a problem finding work before because she’s always been willing to go out and do whatever it took. Her resume is a mile long and spans quite a few different fields — including some that aren’t known for being suitable for women. She’s well-networked, smart and streetsmart, and very determined. As you can tell, I have great respect for her — and that is really saying something. But she’s about to be kicked out of her apartment because she can’t pay the rent. I look at her case and think, “My god! If she can’t find a job in this area, who can?!” So, while what you say above sounds good and maybe is the pep talk some need, I think it sounds a bit like “blame the victim” and that isn’t useful — or very compassionate to those who really are doing everything they can figure out to do right now and still are having a rough time.
Monica,I agree with you. Stop worrying and go after it! Perspective is a huge factor. Excellent insight, be encouraged and continued success to you and your husband. What’s up with the guest post I asked you about? No worries, if you’re not interested or have no time- I understand. -Mig
This is great advice for everyone to consider – regardless of one’s employment status and state of the economy.I just wrapped up day 2 at a job I landed after 3 months of job hunting. I left my previous employer by choice, but was only able to do so because Plan B was in place. While I’m grateful for my new opportunity, I’m not getting too comfortable and putting the finishing touches on Plan C.
Monica, I somehow think you’re going to land on your feet in a big way because you really *get* the new world we’re in. I loved your post and I agree with you wholeheartedly.
It’s the same for small business owners. I know lots of people in my field who are depressed, short of clients and running out of money. They’re now asking for freelance work to pay the bills. Me? I’d rather develop my business in new ways, create new revenue streams, promote my services in new ways … maybe in the end, this recession will get us all but I know I’m not going down without a fight.
That said, I also know that the world is very scary for people who grew up with the idea of a steady job (I was one of them actually, but when I lost my job 5 years ago, I started my own business because I realized the gig was up). The things you are describing seem so alien to them – one commenter said that not everyone has the option of working independently. That’s not actually true – anyone can do what you did with your affiliate site if they take the tie to learn – but I know it *feels* true to a lot of people.I think we have a lot of educating to do to help people see new possibilities. It will take some time but you’re on the right track because even when this recession is over, we are never going back to the days of ‘safe jobs.’
GREAT article Monica! I couldn’t agree with you more. Having a second stream of income and a Plan B is SO important. I think it’s silly to expect an employer to take care of everything you need and want. I listened to Dave Ramsey on Good Morning America this morning say that small businesses started by entrepreneurs who are “unemployed” will lead this country out of the recession. I completley agree. We can make our own American Dream. Rock on girl!
This is one of those posts that needs national media attention. Worrying is harmful to our health, and is just bad energy. This post was like you blowing a breath of life over the unemployed who might feel depressed. And, it was motivating as well.
i think in this economy you really have to think outside the box…personally, I am a recent college graduate from a good school and internship experience who can't find a job. Currently, I decided to take on a part time job as well as another internship with a job board website called HireFinders. I feel that experience with HireFinders can only help me market myself better with the prospect of being hired in the future. This goes for mainly recent college graduates…don't be affraid to take on another internship even if it isn't paying the bills; it can't hurt you. What you do today doesn't need to define what you do tomorrow…
i think in this economy you really have to think outside the box…personally, I am a recent college graduate from a good school and internship experience who can't find a job. Currently, I decided to take on a part time job as well as another internship with a job board website called HireFinders. I feel that experience with HireFinders can only help me market myself better with the prospect of being hired in the future. This goes for mainly recent college graduates…don't be affraid to take on another internship even if it isn't paying the bills; it can't hurt you. What you do today doesn't need to define what you do tomorrow…
True, it’s a lot of “ifs,” but many of those “ifs” are easy to adopt. Like being creative, wanting to work (having motivation), and changing your perspective. It’s really your choice to stop worrying about unemployment was my point
I truly understand your pain, because this *did* happen to me. I am looking for a full-time position right now. I didn’t say I wasn’t struggling financially – of course the side work I’m doing won’t pay my bills indefinitely, and it’s very risky to not have good health insurance.
The economy is bad right now, and it’s all we hear on the news. But before that, all we heard on the news was violence, murders, fires, etc. None of those have happened to me yet, so I try not to take what the news says and project it onto my own life. Personally, I have found jobs to apply for and have gotten interviews. I don’t know anything about your situation or what industry your husband is in, but I am guessing you have more options than you’re stating here, if you’ll only consider them.
Thanks. I agree. I feel like I do understand where people are coming from – by nature, I’m the type of person who thinks everyone is out to get me, or hates me, or is being unfair to me (not something I’m proud of, by the way). But when I feel this way I stop, look at the facts, and try really hard to accept that I’m in control of my life, and that’s what the post is about.
Definitely. I try to tell my husband this all the time because he’s studying to be a doctor. But he is very insistent that blogging isn’t for someone in his profession and that he will always be able to practice until he retires. So I’m lucky I have him for keeping our finances on track, but he’s lucky he has me too because I’m very skeptical about job security and trusting in a single plan for our livelihood in the future.
The work you are doing as a career coach sounds great! Personally, I went through the “desperate and depressed” stage, but I was lucky enough to have money set aside for my period of “grieving and mourning.” I took a month off from everything – extra work, job searching, etc – and spent the time in healthy ways, with my family and friends. It was also the holidays and I needed a break. When I came back I was renewed with energy to start fresh and do some creative problem-solving.
I know that many people lose their jobs and are shocked, so they may not have built up and prepared for what was coming the way I did. That’s hard, and I truly feel for people, because the unknown is a pretty scary thing. The best thing I’ve found is to stay busy and make sure you are meeting networking/job-hunting goals every day. It gives you a sense of purpose and will help fight the desperation and depression!
I do agree with some of your points. I don’t think anyone is blaming you for doing what worked at the time. Thinking “outside of the box” is scary, so I feel for your situation.
Perhaps I am denying that it’s a scary world out there. For me, I know my best chances of finding the right full-time position (and yes, I’m holding out for a good fit, not just taking any offer) are to stay positive and upbeat, and to keep my confidence levels high. I stay positive by working hard with the couple clients I’ve managed to snag, and keep my confidence high by adding new accomplishments to my resume that I believe will help me land the right job. This is my strategy – I’ve been rejected for jobs, had companies not even look at my resume, etc. like everyone else – but I’ve also gotten a ton of great leads and interviewed with some wonderful companies with whom I’d be perfect for. I don’t let the rejections get me down because I know I’m a great employee, I have valuable skills, and I can kick butt at anything I put my mind to.
Maybe that’s naive of me, but I’ve never heard of anyone who landed a job by throwing their hands up in the air, making excuses, having pity parties for themselves, or going into interviews depressed. I’m not saying this is what your husband is doing by any means, because I don’t know. I just wanted to share my own thoughts because I feel empowered about my career, even in a bad economy, and I want to inspire others to feel the same way.
That’s a great attitude to have. I try not to be afraid of my competition because the one reason someone would be afraid is if they thought they weren’t good enough to beat them. Great reminder to everyone conducting a job search right now.
Meg, I apologize for the tone if that’s how it sounded. I realize people who are great employment candidates are looking for work – I would consider myself one of them actually. I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I don’t think I placed blame on anyone for what situations they were in, and I hope she finds something soon. It sounds like she’s on the right track.
Thanks for the continued support. The post somehow got off my radar. I won’t have time this week, but if you shoot me an email we can talk about it more for next week.
Awesome story to share. I agree, most of these tips are much more effective if you put them in place before you are job-hunting – especially the first two.
I left my job also for personal reasons, but wouldn’t have been able to do that if I didn’t have Plan B in place. When I get my next job I will definitely hang onto my back-up plans! I’m a firm believer that we all create our own job security.
I know what you mean. I can understand where people are coming from to some extent – whether you can see the possibilities of potential earnings depends on how you were raised, and it depends on your personality and risk temperament. Sometimes I’m such a “glass half full” person that I find it hard to relate to people who aren’t.
By the way, I really love your resume tips and your blog. I put in place a couple of your tips that I subconsciously knew were important but hadn’t been doing. You were right about response rates – So far they have at least doubled from my previous round of applying, and I was still getting calls before. But now my resume has at least a 30% response rate, maybe more (I just changed my technique this weekend). Thanks for that!
Thank you so much for your support! And I love your blog. I’m hoping that entrepreneurship pulls us out of the recession! I know my entrepreneurial drive has probably been the main reason I can still pay my mortgage, car payment, utilities, and grocery bills, and still live comfortably.
Okay. I’ll post again in a year. But one question. I don’t understand how “Life often gets in the way of living.” Life is living. That’s all we have, and I want to make the most of it.
Thank you so much for your support! I wish I knew how to get it to national media attention, but I don’t. If it even helps one person get through this recession though, I’ll be happy.
Good reminder. Sometimes I think having a full time job will solve all my problems, but I want to hope that I can get through the recession just by doing these five things listed. Thanks!
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
"There's no sugar coating in Monica's advice. She understands and outlines what works and doesn't, while she also leaves room to discuss the transient nature of social media."
Grace Boyle, Publisher Services Manager at Lijit
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s a lot of ifs!
I have to disagree with you. My husband, who was in upper management, recently got layed off and with no jobs there’s no Plan B to fall back on. He even thought about taking a job that was under him and there are none. He want’s to work and the only thing stopping him is the lack of jobs!!!!! Some people just can’t do “independent” jobs.
Believe me, we never thought this was going to happen but I guess now it can happen to anyone and even though you have a great plan for the “what ifs” you have to realize that the economy is bad and you may actually struggle.
I don’t want to say that your ideas are bad but maybe realize that until this happens to you, you have no idea how hard it is out there.
@Kathleen – So you’re not doing anything to combat unemployment? Are you just hoping that a job will drop out of the sky? Your husband can’t use years in upper management to do independent work or you just haven’t been forced to try it yet?
I don’t mean to be blunt but that’s exactly what this post is about. I don’t know a single motivated person that can’t do independent work. The most socially reserved and non-entrepreneurial person from my high school is making high five figures doing direct sales because she had to (she was backed into a corner with an early life divorce and a child). I’ll tell you what’s really easy: telling someone that they have no idea what you’re going through. It isn’t that difficult to understand. What’s really hard is getting out there and deciding to at least try to control your destiny instead of hoping that a magic job will fall from the sky. That’s the only part of your argument I can’t understand.
“People who are afraid of not having a job worry because they only know how to make money one way” This is, I think, the real meat of the issue. For those not used to thinking in a broad sense about who they are and what they want to accomplish, the idea that you can (and should) pursue multiple avenues of work and create additional income streams can be difficult, even scary. If you went to school for 4, 6, or 8 years with the intent to get into a particular vocation, what happens when the bottom drops out for the entire industry? Or, as in our current situation, every industry…I don’t think its realistic to expect to completely alleviate any struggling should the day come that you lose your primary source of income, but having something, anything, to fall back on is always good practice.
The timing of your post is perfect, as I have just been talking to a colleague of mine about the fact that some job seekers need to stop looking for the traditional opportunity and start thinking about how to create non-traditional income streams. This is a good time to take your show on the road, so to speak. Many companies are laying off their “in-house” departments and looking to freelancers to get the job done.
I really feel for Kathleen and her husband – and all of the people out there who are throwing up their hands because there are “no jobs.” You need to either work to ensure that you will be competitive to land the jobs that are out there (and there ARE jobs out there) or be willing to start focusing on transferable skills, retraining and creating opportunities for yourself.
I am starting “accountability groups” for job seekers to try to help job seekers take advantage of their options BEFORE they get desperate and depressed. I’d advise anyone facing a job hunt to seek professional resume and job hunting advice. There are paths out there – knowing which way to go and how to get there takes a little know-how. This post is a great reminder that there is no need for hand wringing!
I will agree with everyone, now is the time to be thinking outside of the box. I mean look at the guy that stood outside of wallstreet with his resume posted on his body (well kind-of). But do we really have to come to that? Maybe it was my husbands fault for putting all his eggs in one basket, but for the 5+ years he was very successful and it worked for him. People shouldn’t be blamed for doing what worked and in a time like this should not be worried. Finding those “outside the box” jobs are hard for people who haven’t had to go there and others should understand that. If I was to lose my job tomorrow I would easily find a job quicker than my husband because I do have a long list of skills. But it is a scary world out there and I’m just frustrated with the people who deny to see it.
Yes, it’s “hard” out there. But, to be frank, harder only means more competitive to me. Which is fine, as long as I’m willing to face the competition. I am currently looking for work and dealing with a mortgage – trust me, there are nights when I wonder how I’m going to survive financially for the next month. But, I can’t let that fear “freeze” me into a hopeless mindset. I keep myself busy with projects that I enjoy and will enhance my resume, I continue to network and “sprint” as hard and fast as I can to my next goal.
Monica, I do agree that those are good ideas. But sometimes there are things outside of one’s control. Not everyone can afford unemployment insurance. Not everyone has the time or even just the know how to make another viable stream of income — or the initial capital which many things take. And no matter how much people are willing to work, there just aren’t enough jobs right now for everyone. I don’t say this to discourage people from trying, and I do think attitude is very important. However, I’ve watched as some highly motivated, hard working, creative people have looked and looked and looked for a job or at least some way to make money. One friend in particular comes to mind who has never had a problem finding work before because she’s always been willing to go out and do whatever it took. Her resume is a mile long and spans quite a few different fields — including some that aren’t known for being suitable for women. She’s well-networked, smart and streetsmart, and very determined. As you can tell, I have great respect for her — and that is really saying something. But she’s about to be kicked out of her apartment because she can’t pay the rent. I look at her case and think, “My god! If she can’t find a job in this area, who can?!” So, while what you say above sounds good and maybe is the pep talk some need, I think it sounds a bit like “blame the victim” and that isn’t useful — or very compassionate to those who really are doing everything they can figure out to do right now and still are having a rough time.
Monica,I agree with you. Stop worrying and go after it! Perspective is a huge factor. Excellent insight, be encouraged and continued success to you and your husband.
What’s up with the guest post I asked you about? No worries, if you’re not interested or have no time- I understand. -Mig
This is great advice for everyone to consider – regardless of one’s employment status and state of the economy.I just wrapped up day 2 at a job I landed after 3 months of job hunting. I left my previous employer by choice, but was only able to do so because Plan B was in place. While I’m grateful for my new opportunity, I’m not getting too comfortable and putting the finishing touches on Plan C.
Thanks, Monica!
Monica, I somehow think you’re going to land on your feet in a big way because you really *get* the new world we’re in. I loved your post and I agree with you wholeheartedly.
It’s the same for small business owners. I know lots of people in my field who are depressed, short of clients and running out of money. They’re now asking for freelance work to pay the bills. Me? I’d rather develop my business in new ways, create new revenue streams, promote my services in new ways … maybe in the end, this recession will get us all but I know I’m not going down without a fight.
That said, I also know that the world is very scary for people who grew up with the idea of a steady job (I was one of them actually, but when I lost my job 5 years ago, I started my own business because I realized the gig was up). The things you are describing seem so alien to them – one commenter said that not everyone has the option of working independently. That’s not actually true – anyone can do what you did with your affiliate site if they take the tie to learn – but I know it *feels* true to a lot of people.I think we have a lot of educating to do to help people see new possibilities. It will take some time but you’re on the right track because even when this recession is over, we are never going back to the days of ‘safe jobs.’
GREAT article Monica! I couldn’t agree with you more. Having a second stream of income and a Plan B is SO important. I think it’s silly to expect an employer to take care of everything you need and want. I listened to Dave Ramsey on Good Morning America this morning say that small businesses started by entrepreneurs who are “unemployed” will lead this country out of the recession. I completley agree. We can make our own American Dream. Rock on girl!
All this happy talk and thinking. Post again in a year and let us know if it really works out this way. Life often gets in the way of living.
This is one of those posts that needs national media attention. Worrying is harmful to our health, and is just bad energy. This post was like you blowing a breath of life over the unemployed who might feel depressed. And, it was motivating as well.
And we need to remember that we don’t get out of under/un-employment, it’s a process we get through.
i think in this economy you really have to think outside the box…personally, I am a recent college graduate from a good school and internship experience who can't find a job. Currently, I decided to take on a part time job as well as another internship with a job board website called HireFinders. I feel that experience with HireFinders can only help me market myself better with the prospect of being hired in the future. This goes for mainly recent college graduates…don't be affraid to take on another internship even if it isn't paying the bills; it can't hurt you. What you do today doesn't need to define what you do tomorrow…
i think in this economy you really have to think outside the box…personally, I am a recent college graduate from a good school and internship experience who can't find a job. Currently, I decided to take on a part time job as well as another internship with a job board website called HireFinders. I feel that experience with HireFinders can only help me market myself better with the prospect of being hired in the future. This goes for mainly recent college graduates…don't be affraid to take on another internship even if it isn't paying the bills; it can't hurt you. What you do today doesn't need to define what you do tomorrow…
Meg,
True, it’s a lot of “ifs,” but many of those “ifs” are easy to adopt. Like being creative, wanting to work (having motivation), and changing your perspective. It’s really your choice to stop worrying about unemployment was my point
Kathleen,
I truly understand your pain, because this *did* happen to me. I am looking for a full-time position right now. I didn’t say I wasn’t struggling financially – of course the side work I’m doing won’t pay my bills indefinitely, and it’s very risky to not have good health insurance.
The economy is bad right now, and it’s all we hear on the news. But before that, all we heard on the news was violence, murders, fires, etc. None of those have happened to me yet, so I try not to take what the news says and project it onto my own life. Personally, I have found jobs to apply for and have gotten interviews. I don’t know anything about your situation or what industry your husband is in, but I am guessing you have more options than you’re stating here, if you’ll only consider them.
Lance,
Thanks. I agree. I feel like I do understand where people are coming from – by nature, I’m the type of person who thinks everyone is out to get me, or hates me, or is being unfair to me (not something I’m proud of, by the way). But when I feel this way I stop, look at the facts, and try really hard to accept that I’m in control of my life, and that’s what the post is about.
Robby,
Definitely. I try to tell my husband this all the time because he’s studying to be a doctor. But he is very insistent that blogging isn’t for someone in his profession and that he will always be able to practice until he retires. So I’m lucky I have him for keeping our finances on track, but he’s lucky he has me too because I’m very skeptical about job security and trusting in a single plan for our livelihood in the future.
Miriam,
The work you are doing as a career coach sounds great! Personally, I went through the “desperate and depressed” stage, but I was lucky enough to have money set aside for my period of “grieving and mourning.” I took a month off from everything – extra work, job searching, etc – and spent the time in healthy ways, with my family and friends. It was also the holidays and I needed a break. When I came back I was renewed with energy to start fresh and do some creative problem-solving.
I know that many people lose their jobs and are shocked, so they may not have built up and prepared for what was coming the way I did. That’s hard, and I truly feel for people, because the unknown is a pretty scary thing. The best thing I’ve found is to stay busy and make sure you are meeting networking/job-hunting goals every day. It gives you a sense of purpose and will help fight the desperation and depression!
Kathleen,
I do agree with some of your points. I don’t think anyone is blaming you for doing what worked at the time. Thinking “outside of the box” is scary, so I feel for your situation.
Perhaps I am denying that it’s a scary world out there. For me, I know my best chances of finding the right full-time position (and yes, I’m holding out for a good fit, not just taking any offer) are to stay positive and upbeat, and to keep my confidence levels high. I stay positive by working hard with the couple clients I’ve managed to snag, and keep my confidence high by adding new accomplishments to my resume that I believe will help me land the right job. This is my strategy – I’ve been rejected for jobs, had companies not even look at my resume, etc. like everyone else – but I’ve also gotten a ton of great leads and interviewed with some wonderful companies with whom I’d be perfect for. I don’t let the rejections get me down because I know I’m a great employee, I have valuable skills, and I can kick butt at anything I put my mind to.
Maybe that’s naive of me, but I’ve never heard of anyone who landed a job by throwing their hands up in the air, making excuses, having pity parties for themselves, or going into interviews depressed. I’m not saying this is what your husband is doing by any means, because I don’t know. I just wanted to share my own thoughts because I feel empowered about my career, even in a bad economy, and I want to inspire others to feel the same way.
Raven,
That’s a great attitude to have. I try not to be afraid of my competition because the one reason someone would be afraid is if they thought they weren’t good enough to beat them. Great reminder to everyone conducting a job search right now.
Meg, I apologize for the tone if that’s how it sounded. I realize people who are great employment candidates are looking for work – I would consider myself one of them actually. I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I don’t think I placed blame on anyone for what situations they were in, and I hope she finds something soon. It sounds like she’s on the right track.
Miguel,
Thanks for the continued support. The post somehow got off my radar. I won’t have time this week, but if you shoot me an email we can talk about it more for next week.
Wayne,
Awesome story to share. I agree, most of these tips are much more effective if you put them in place before you are job-hunting – especially the first two.
I left my job also for personal reasons, but wouldn’t have been able to do that if I didn’t have Plan B in place. When I get my next job I will definitely hang onto my back-up plans! I’m a firm believer that we all create our own job security.
Louise,
I know what you mean. I can understand where people are coming from to some extent – whether you can see the possibilities of potential earnings depends on how you were raised, and it depends on your personality and risk temperament. Sometimes I’m such a “glass half full” person that I find it hard to relate to people who aren’t.
By the way, I really love your resume tips and your blog. I put in place a couple of your tips that I subconsciously knew were important but hadn’t been doing. You were right about response rates – So far they have at least doubled from my previous round of applying, and I was still getting calls before. But now my resume has at least a 30% response rate, maybe more (I just changed my technique this weekend). Thanks for that!
Nicole,
Thank you so much for your support! And I love your blog. I’m hoping that entrepreneurship pulls us out of the recession! I know my entrepreneurial drive has probably been the main reason I can still pay my mortgage, car payment, utilities, and grocery bills, and still live comfortably.
2m,
Okay. I’ll post again in a year. But one question. I don’t understand how “Life often gets in the way of living.” Life is living. That’s all we have, and I want to make the most of it.
Shimon,
Thank you so much for your support! I wish I knew how to get it to national media attention, but I don’t. If it even helps one person get through this recession though, I’ll be happy.
Doug,
Good reminder. Sometimes I think having a full time job will solve all my problems, but I want to hope that I can get through the recession just by doing these five things listed. Thanks!
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