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#JobSearch : What You Need To Do To Successfully Bounce Back From A Layoff. Downsizings will Continue Until Inflation Falls from Around 8% to 2%.

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The job market abruptly ricocheted from a war for talent to layoffs becoming commonplace. The Federal Reserve Bank’s inflation-fighting measures include raising interest rates, and leading companies to downsize employees to cut costs.

Downsizings will continue until inflation falls from around 8% to 2%. This may take one to two or more years. Many Americans will, unfortunately, lose their jobs. Here is what you need to do if you are laid off from your company.

Work On Your Mental Health And Emotional Well-Being

Losing your job is a traumatic event. There is a loss of income, fear of what to do next and a loss of identity that’s wrapped up with your career. It’s normal to feel anger and resentment. You’ll feel depressed and anxious. The loss of your routine will be disorienting. There will be an absence of the esprit de corps you had with your work buddies.

It’s easy to start feeling isolated and adrift. You avoid talking to people, dreading the point when they ask about your job and you have to relive the painful experience all over again. Many people who lose their jobs socially withdraw. They are ashamed of the job loss, their ego is wounded and it takes a toll on their self-esteem.

Take some time to process what happened. Don’t bottle your emotions. Share with your family and friends what happened. It’s okay to grieve and feel sorry for yourself–just for a while. Then, you need to move forward. If it’s hard to bounce back, seek help from a therapist.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Hiring Managers Want Positive People–Not Complainers

If you carry the resentment baggage to an interview, it won’t go over well. Interviewers are attracted to positive, enthusiastic and motivated candidates. If you come across angry or talk poorly about your former boss, co-workers and company, it’s not a good look. The hiring manager may feel that you are a malcontent who blames everything on others. It may be hard, but cast aside your negative feelings.

Show up to an interview exuding confidence. When the subject of the layoff comes up, say, “My manager said that this was no reflection on my work. In fact, she said that I was one of the top performers. Unfortunately, with the mass layoff, I was impacted. Despite the temporary setback, I’m excited about the future. This may have pushed me to try something new. If I weren’t let go, I’d probably be with the company for another five or more years. Now, I have the chance to pursue new and exciting opportunities. I’m so happy to be here for this interview. The job looks great. I love your company’s mission and my skills are a perfect fit. If I wasn’t let go, I would never have thought of applying. It’s great how things can turn out so positive.”

Looking For A Job Is Your New Job

Get in touch with recruiters, career coaches and résumé writers. Contact people in your network to see if they know of any job openings. Target the companies you want to work for and find out if you know anyone who works there. Ask them to share your résumé, along with a recommendation for the job you want at the organization. Go on LinkedIn to post comments, articles and short-form videos to position yourself as an expert in your field to gain attention. Put together an elevator pitch. Practice role-playing commonly asked interview questions.

The Practical Logistics

Although your emotions will run high, don’t sign a severance or other agreements without evaluating them appropriately. Get everything you discuss at the exit interview and with management in writing, so there are no surprises down the road. Consider asking for a reference for when you start interviewing. Find out how your termination will be positioned in future references.

As you leave, remain professional and don’t burn any bridges by getting into ugly fights and no-win battles that could work against you when you seek a new job. Was there another– possibly discriminatory or illegal–reason why they fired you (i.e. race, religion or age)?

File for unemployment. Start preparing how you will position this event to prospective interviewers. If you’ve been putting off any healthcare appointments, make them now while you still have coverage.

Stay Active

Use this time to start a physical exercise routine to keep you occupied and healthy. Exercise, walk, do yoga or Pilates, join pick-up basketball games or ride your bike.

Utilize this time to catch up on all new developments within your field. Maintain a positive attitude, no matter how hard it is to do so. Consider finding temporary, part-time work or some management consulting. Start thinking about your next career move. Help others or volunteer.

Don’t ever give up hope. Keep pushing forward and remain positive and strong. The best-case scenario is that you will find an even better job and earn more money than before.

 

Forbes.com | November 10, 2022 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : Lost Your Job?  First Steps First. Great Ideas to Get Through the Unemployment Period.

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Nothing is more worrisome than being out of work and dreading the bills coming in the mail that you can’t afford to pay.  Scarier yet is not having funds for job shopping (gas money or interview clothing).  Here are some ideas to help you get through the unemployment period and make time without a job work to your advantage.

Your full-time job while unemployed is applying online for jobs. Once you lose your job, you should immediately research your state’s unemployment benefits options.  In some states, a two-week waiting period must be reached before application; in other states, you may be eligible on the first day of unemployment. You must file for the benefits. In most states, you may do so online via an Internet-based application. The state will require forms completed pertaining to the circumstances leading to the job loss. Be truthful. If you were fired, state the honest reason. Not all states deny unemployment benefits for being fired unless the termination was for extreme reasons (e.g., embezzlement, equipment destruction, theft, avoidable OSHA-related safety incidents, or vandalism).

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Regardless of the waiting period, the employment commission in each state is one of the best places to search for a new job.  Many companies post job openings to comply with the EEOC mandate for the 3-5-day public posting of positions, and they can do so for free. The state also supplies job listings within an easy commute to your city and surrounding areas.

Apply directly to public job openings – some companies will allow resume uploads into their Automatic Tracking Systems (ATS), even if there are currently no job openings (this is called ‘resume farming’  by recruiters). Alternatively, apply online by uploading your resume to proprietary resume databases, e.g., Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, Indeed, or USAJobs.gov (resume loading for the job seeker).

You don’t want a blank space on your resume where you were unemployed if you can avoid it. Recruiters are not fond of seeing extended periods of unemployment (the UNNA syndrome – Unemployed Need Not Apply). However, after the 2009 housing crash and the COVID pandemic, they are more used to seeing these phenomena of long periods of unemployment. The good news is that there are two rich opportunities to add content to your resume, allow you to meet new people, and network for new employment opportunities.

First, offer your time or assistance to non-profit organizations or obtain training to enrich your job skills. Many small non-profit organizations (NPSs) are desperate for grant writers, volunteers, mentors, and specialists. There is a shortage in these skills for many small NPOs who can’t afford to pay salaries for these job skills – your local paper may run lists of NPOs needing assistance.

Second, if you can’t do the education or training and can’t offer assistance as a volunteer, the next best activity is to go into business for yourself as a consultant. Shop the market for companies needing your skill set as a 1099 consultant (a local city business license may be less than $50).  You never know when your skills sets may turn into a more realistic method to replace that lost salary.  Recruiters will note you didn’t let the dust settle after a job loss and view you as a more viable candidate.

While you are unemployed, get the training (or education) you didn’t have time to take while you were working, and add industry or trade certifications to the achievements on your resume. Take classes to advance your education beyond the courses or degree you last achieved.  There may be inexpensive adult education classes in your city that provide insight into a fresh new topic for you. Computer skills are one of the hottest training needs in any industry. If you gain insight into how software or a process works, it will move you ahead of the job’s competition.

As you achieve the training, education, or volunteer work, add it to your resume as the most recent ‘employment’ activity.  The longer you are unemployed, the more obvious the non-productive activity and the less viable a candidate you become to recruiters.  Filling that gap with volunteer activities, education or training, and/or part-time consulting work demonstrates you are still a viable and highly qualified candidate.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Dawn Boyer, Ph.D., is an associate of First Sun Consulting, and the owner of D. Boyer Consulting – providing resume writing, editing, and publishing consulting services. Reach her at: Dawn.Boyer@DBoyerConsulting.com or http://dboyerconsulting.com.  

Bio: Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D., manages and operates a consulting firm in Norfolk, Richmond, Colonial Beach (Dahlgren), and Gloucester, VA.  Her background is 24+ years in the Human Resources field, of which 12+ years are within the Federal & Defense Contracting industry.  She is the author of 940+ books on business, human resources research, career search practice, women’s studies, genealogy lineages, and adult coloring books.  Her books are listed on Amazon.com under her author’s page for Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D.

 

FSC Career Blog | September 19, 2022

 

#JobSearch : What to do if Suddenly Unemployed. Here are Some Things you Can do Right Way.

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When I was laid off from my sales job in my early 20’s, I was shattered.  It was a blessing but back then, I was terrified. I was living alone, paycheck to paycheck, and didn’t know anything about unemployment as I had been working since I was 15. I didn’t have savings, because I didn’t make much money and, you know, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘴.

Today’s job seekers have such a wealth of resources available at their fingertips. Here are some things you can do right away:

FINANCES
✅ Apply for unemployment benefits. The sooner you do this, the sooner you’ll receive a check.
✅ Ask about health insurance. Will the company extend it? Check out healthcare dot gov for coverage.
✅ Look at your savings. Spend slowly, only pay monthly minimums. Ask for a loan, if possible.
✅ Talk to your lenders. Many will give you a two or three-month grace period before having to make a payment again.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued … 

RELATIONSHIPS

✅ 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀. Ask for a reference from your boss or co-workers before you leave. Not only will this help you while job searching, you’ll feel better as well.
✅ Reconnect with your network. Before you start sending out resumes, optimize your LinkedIn profile so your connections will know what you are up to when you reach out to them.

 

PLANNING

✅ Create or revise your career plan. Whether this came as a surprise or not, take time to develop your career plan. Ask yourself questions about what you want to do next. Do you want to stay in your current industry or try something new?

✅ Reward yourself when you reach milestones. When you’ve written a couple versions of your resume or cover letter, treat yourself to a nice dinner. When you’ve made the phone calls or reached out to your target companies, take a break and enjoy something you like to do.

 

ATTITUDE

✅ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. Remember, this is only temporary. You’ll be working again before you know it.

✅ Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Continually talking about it can create a rut that can be difficult to get out of. Take a day to reflect on the situation, then move forward.

 

If you find yourself unemployed, take a breath! Just remember, most people who want jobs have them. You will eventually have a job. So, think through your finances, your network, our plan, and keep a positive attitude. But keep taking steps forward. And if you need professional help with your career documents or coaching, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – April 6, 2021

#CareerAdvice : #Unemployed – How to Handle the Tumultuous Days of #Unemployment …Being #Unemployed Can be Tough, But it’s Also an Opportunity to Find Work you Truly Love.

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Picture this: you’re on a hike, almost at the top of the mountain. It’s so close. You’re ready. You know that feeling? The feeling of accomplishment and that burst of adrenaline that pushes you that much further? Of course, when you get to the top of the mountain, it seems like the hard part is over. You realize you still have to hike all the way down, but that’s easy enough, right?
Wrong. It never is. You still have to get down the mountain. This picture, this hike, this mountain—this is the reality of unemployment. I know because I’m living it. Much like the hike, some parts of it are tough, some are exhilarating, and some are even exciting!
I’ve had days where I wake up feeling like I want to conquer the world. And then, there are some when I wake up feeling like the world is conquering me. Though it’s easy to get down on myself during this process, I’ve trained my mind to think of this period as a positive learning experience, and an opportunity to find the work that’s perfect for me.
For you too, there will undoubtedly be many ups and downs on your unemployment journey—but it’s important to think of the experience as the stepping stone to your next big venture. And honestly, unemployment is a full-time job in and of itself, requiring a lot of effort poured into job searching, applying, interviewing, networking, and more.
Here are my favorite tips for staying positive and  using your “in-between-jobs” time wisely:

PLAN YOUR DAY

Pretend you’re at work. Whether it’s writing out a to-do list or making a list of goals for the week, having something in writing will take away that sense of scatteredness you may feel when wading through your job hunt.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of article:

TRACK YOUR APPLICATIONS

Keep an Excel sheet of all the jobs you have applied to—maybe even the ones you want to apply to. Beyond tracking just the title of the jobs, make sure to record what date you applied, so you know when to follow up. You could even include the contact information of the person you’re  reaching out to, for optimal organization.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS KEY

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. You will feel so much better you did. Exercising can clear your mind and help you really focus on what needs to get done. Even if it’s just a walk around your block, that small amount of exercise can make a huge difference.

SCHEDULE BREAKS

It’s important to take small breaks from the job hunt throughout the day so you don’t get too overwhelmed. By allowing your brain to focus on something that isn’t job-related for even just a small chunk of time, you’ll be able to recharge and return to it with more clarity and stamina.

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

It can be very easy to sleep in and go to bed late when you are unemployed. Remember that job hunting is a full-time job—you have to get adequate rest to achieve your goals. Develop a sleep routine that works for you so you can get the most done throughout the day.

PRACTICE CONFIDENCE

The worst thing you can do when you are unemployed is to lose your self-esteem. Just remember that you will find another job—it may just take some time. Having a positive mentality throughout this time is essential to achieving your goals!
On any given day, you will be going up and down that mountain. You will have days where you doubt your ability to find your next paycheck. And then there will be days where you feel like you will take over the world with your job-hunting abilities. Whatever kind of day you’re having, remember that this is a stage of your life that will change you for the better—if you let it—and transform into an unforgettable experience later on. Use this time wisely to focus on building your skills and reflect on what you really want in work and life.
Although there are many hurdles that accompany unemployment, finding work that you truly love is well worth it in the end.
How to Handle the Tumultuous Days of Unemployment
What’s your journey been like? Have you climbed the “unemployment mountain”?
 CareerContessa.com | Photos Marie McGrory | February 22, 2018

Your #Career : Hit the Ground Running- Your Guide to Surviving the First Months of #Unemployment …It can take on Average Six Weeks to Eight Months to Find a #NewJob . Here’s the Best Way to Spend that #JobHunting Time.

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At some point in your career, it’s likely you’ll face unemployment: whether it takes you awhile to find a job after graduation or you are the victim of a round of corporate layoffs. Workplace expert Amy Cooper Hakim says today’s global marketplace makes many positions disposable. “Organizations aren’t as committed to their employees, and employees aren’t as committed to their organizations. As such, long-standing tenure within organizations is much less common,” she says.

Bottom line? The busier you keep yourself during this period–from applying and side-hustling to keeping a go-get-’em mindset–the more likely you’ll pull out of the unemployment bracket and into your new office.

So when you’re out high and dry–and anxiously eyeing your savings account–what’s the best approach to job searching? Career branding expert Wendi Weiner says recent data suggest it takes at least six weeks–and up to eight months–to earn an offer letter, making what you do during this idle time vital. Marrying a sharp focus with tenacious hustling and a picky attitude is the best way to approach your career pursuits as you set a three-month goal for yourself. Here’s your expert-approved guide  through the process:

WEEK ONE

Though you could be struggling with nerves, the first seven days also mean mornings sleeping in and catching up on the latest Netflix obsession. Hakim says not to give yourself too much of a hard time over this sluggish session, since it can actually do wonders for your psyche: “Allow yourself the chance to mourn your old job and to make peace with the change. This clarity of mind can help you to determine next steps, career wise, too,” she says.

You shouldn’t be completely unproductive though.  “Research companies of interest and create a spreadsheet,” Weiner says. “Begin to research who are the key players at the companies, the positions available, and the target positions you are seeking.”

Don’t have the appetite to start networking in person yet? You can still set yourself up for future elbow-rubbing by updating all of your career documents and profiles, Weiner adds. From your LinkedIn profile to your resume and cover letter template, this will make the application process that much more seamless once you’re ready to put yourself out there. Don’t forget about recommendations, either—now is the time to reconnect with a former boss, a trusted mentor, or a colleague who will happily sing your praises, Hakim reminds.

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of article:

ONE MONTH IN

Check yourself: By now you should have at least secured a few in-person interviews, attended networking lunches or functions, and sent out plenty of job applications. If you’re not getting yourself out there, you’re falling behind, according to the experts. Nearly 70% of all jobs are won via networking. This is the time when you should be shouting from the rooftops that you’re competitive, desired, and available for the right opportunity. “Your goal is to be noticed and recognized as a thought leader. Ask connections to introduce you to key players in your field. Ask others if they know of a job or of a person who might be able to help. Without being pushy or presumptuous, we get what we need when we ask for it,” Hakim explains.

Don’t forget to take copious notes about your experiences, whether face-to-face or digitally. This helps you concentrate on progress and pave the way for your next follow-up or interaction. “Have a column for notes/feedback so that you aren’t duplicating your efforts. You don’t want to haphazardly contact the same person or same company twice with that first email communication,” Weiner warns. “You also want to chart when you are receiving/sending responses to companies so that you are being proactive.”

SIX WEEKS IN

If you’ve been following your homework diligently, Weiner predicts you’re in the middle of second and third rounds of interviews, with an offer formulating on the horizon. Even if you think you’re this close to securing a job, it’s important as ever to remain active. You want to ensure your network continues to sprout, just in case you’re passed over for an opportunity you think you have in the bag. “Consider attending networking events, professional conferences, and events in your industry and niche so that you are building a strong network of connectivity with others,” she says.

During this time, you might start to lose your steam–especially if receive a few rejections–so don’t forget to prioritize your health, too. Weiner says job seekers should commit to one healthy habit a day–from healthy meals and exercise to soaking up vitamin D outside and creating a budget–to keep a positive attitude. After all, showing up cranky to an interview won’t bode well for your chances.

TWO MONTHS IN

Are you still showering daily? How much coffee are you drinking? How about booze? When unemployed folk reach the two-month mark, it’s normal–and expected–to feel frustrated with the process. As tough as it is to push through your growing insecurity in your abilities, Weiner says your tenacity will win in the long run.

To help you get through the many rejection levels and ghosters, she suggests setting up a daily schedule to keep your mind occupied–instead of spiraling. “Spend a few hours in the morning researching jobs, and spend the afternoon reaching out to the major contacts at those jobs. Continue being proactive, but also stick to a schedule. If you are staring at your computer all day waiting for the phone to ring, you will find yourself continuing to stress. Head to the gym for a daily workout, or go to the park,” she says.

Another effective way to boost your morale, according to Monster.com career expert Vicki Salemi, is to reach out to trusted colleagues or friends who have also faced unemployment for an extended period. Use their experience to compare notes, find holes you might be missing, and, of course, remind you of how super-talented and stellar you are.

AFTER THREE MONTHS

Sure, months fly by quickly when you’re busy pulling late-nighters for a new client or waking up early to catch a business-class red-eye to London–but when you’re unemployed? Each day feels endless and deafening. Twelve weeks into unemployment and you’re understandably fed up. Instead of accepting defeat, challenge yourself to approach your job search with strategy–and flexibility.

Hakim says many people have too narrow of a pool in the beginning: Are there other geographical areas you’re open to? Roles that might also work for your skill set? A lateral move instead of one that propels you upwards? Have you already forgotten about professionals you connected with in month one? What are they up to now? What advice do they have for you? These questions might not be the easiest to stomach or process, but they could mean the difference between a “yes” and a “no.”

Salemi adds that a critical eye toward your progress could also prove beneficial, since you might have grown a tad lazier as time has passed. And perhaps too rose-colored about the “perfect job” instead of one that could serve its purpose for now. “Have you been landing phone interviews, but not office interviews? Are you thinking broadly enough–maybe there’s a company that has an awesome part-time opportunity that can, in due time, be parlayed into a full-time one? Think outside the box in ways you can earn money, contribute your valuable skill set to an organization, and stay busy,” she says.

Bottom line? The busier you keep yourself during this period–from applying and side-hustling to keeping a go-get-’em mindset–the more likely you’ll pull out of the unemployment bracket and into your new office.

FastCompany.com | May 18, 2018 | BY LINDSAY TIGAR 6 MINUTE READ

Your #Career : #Unemployed – 5 Ways to Make Money in the Middle of a #ResumeGap …A resume gap might seem a Bit Scary to Navigate, But it Doesn’t Have to Be.

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A resume gap might seem a bit scary to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you were already planning time off between jobs or lost your job due to an uncontrollable circumstance, there are ways to take control of the situation — and still earn money and valuable experience while searching for your next career opportunity.

Here are five ways to make a resume gap work for you.

1. Become a Freelancer

There’s a freelance job for virtually every line of work: copywriting, social media management, product design, graphic design — the list goes on. Search for freelance jobs relevant to your career field, and work on your own time.

The good thing about freelance gigs is that, generally, they’re flexible. If you’re busy applying for full-time jobs, freelance work gives you the freedom you need to attend interviews at all times of the day while still earning extra money.

See Open Freelancer Jobs 

2. Work as a Consultant

In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to start your own business. You can work as a consultant for another company or create your own consulting gig. This type of work exists in many different fields, and it’s important to pick a niche where you have deep knowledge and experience on a subject.

While that path to becoming a consultant might differ depending on your field, it’s essential that you build your brand and start networking to be successful. Consulting can be a good option if your gap between jobs will be a prolonged period, such as a year or longer. This way, you have the right amount of time to build up a client base and obtain even more skills to list on your resume.

See Open Consultant Jobs 

3. Develop Your Own Business

Do you have a hobby or skill people would pay for? Maybe you bake delicious cakes or are good at detailing cars. Armed with those skills, talk to friends and family, and start advertising your services.

If people will pay for something you typically offer for free or do as a favor, hone in on that and market yourself as a legitimate business. Make some cheap business cards and get your name out there!

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4. Join the Gig Economy

The infinitely growing gig economy is a great way to supplement your income, even if a task won’t necessarily benefit your career. Look into pet sitting, ride sharing, delivering groceries or even renting out a spare room on Airbnb. Don’t feel like leaving the house? No worries; you can still make money from the comfort of your own home through methods like investing in real estate on the web, working as an online bookkeeper or selling old items you don’t use anymore.

If you think earning an income through the gig economy is right for you, keep up your professional life by going to networking events, volunteering or interning part-time. These events can still be listed on your resume while you earn an income with other jobs on the side.

See Open Lyft Driver Jobs 

5. Learn a New Skill

This might not make you much money right now, but learning something new you can put on a resume could mean more money in a future job. Maybe you’re only somewhat familiar with CRMs — take a course and master Salesforce, and you’ll quickly become the go-to person in your next office.

Better yet, learn some HTML or CSS coding from a free online resource. Or look into Coursera or Poynter’s News University, where you could earn certifications in fields such as marketing, journalism and online media.

6 Classes That Will Help You Add In-Demand Skills to Your Resume

Three Tips for Addressing a Resume Gap

Ready to enter the workforce again? Here are a few helpful tips for mentioning a gap on your resume or in an interview.

  • Address the gap clearly. Instead of ignoring it or waiting for the interviewer to ask about it, talk about your resume gap and anything relevant to the job you did during that time. If it was parental leave, state you wanted to be home to take care of your child. It’s all about being honest — addressing the gap head-on during the interview will get you further than not being straightforward about your job history.
  • Prepare what you’ll say ahead of time. Frame your job gap as productive time away from the office. Did you stay home with the kids and manage all the bills? Talk about how you became proficient in Excel and learned how to budget. Did you choose to take a sabbatical and travel the world? Discuss how adaptable you are and how much you learned by immersing yourself in a foreign culture.
  • Keep it positive. Regardless of whether or not you were let go or left of your own accord, position the circumstance in a positive way. Instead of saying you had problems with your previous manager, talk about what you learned about yourself as a professional, and what you do and don’t want out of a workplace.

You don’t have to be afraid of your resume gap. Leverage this time and use it to your advantage — learn relevant skills, get a certification in your field or explore new career opportunities. Good luck!

Jacquelyn Pica is a writer at The Penny Hoarder. Find her on Twitter @JacquelynTPH.

 

Glassdoor.com | May 7, 2018 | Jacquelyn Pica

Your #Career : What I Learned When I Got Laid Off In A City I’d Just Moved…To This Texas Transplant’s Position was Cut just as She was Settling into her New York job, But it Actually Opened up her Options.

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When I moved to New York city to take a job as a creative director in 2014, I was ecstatic. After purging at least 70% of my belongings, I happily traded shoe-melting Dallas summers for eyelash-freezing New York winters.

Free- Lighthouse on Cloudy Weather

It was the first time I’d lived anywhere outside of Texas, so adjusting to my new home and the unsettling lack of Tex-Mex took longer than expected. Then, just about the time I started to feel settled into my new city, I got laid off. Here’s what it taught me.

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH UNEMPLOYMENT

The first two weeks of unemployment were the worst. I hadn’t had time to build a New York–based professional network anywhere near the size of the one I’d had in Dallas. Despite that, I still managed to get enough support to update my portfolio, survive a nasty fight with depression and anxiety, and land a freelance gig as a creative director.

Some of my ad-industry buddies insist that freelancing in New York is the only way to go. There are tons of opportunities, and you can make a ton of money doing it if you can stomach inconsistent gigs (which I cannot) and if you love networking (which I do not): I need to know exactly how much my next check is going to be and when I’m going to get it. And the thought of saying things like, “Lemme shoot you my contact info so we can have a convo about those opps!” to multiple cocktail-holding industry strangers makes me want to run screaming into a busy intersection.

 

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Luckily, the contract I took was a solid one-month commitment that, thanks to following my favorite four-word rule, turned into two months and, eventually, a full-time offer. The freelance opportunity helped me with so much more than paying rent. I made amazing new connections, got a fresh (and desperately needed) boost of self-esteem, and had the chance I needed to decide what I really wanted to be doing and where I wanted to do it.

Feeling like this particular full-time job just wasn’t right for me, I declined the offer. But with my newfound confidence I decided to try to find that perfect fit—and, like most things in life, it played out a bit differently than I’d imagined it would.

LOCATION, VOCATION, LOCATION

It’s always easier to find a new job when you have one. Negotiating for a better salary, title, and benefits doesn’t work nearly as well when you’re making $0, your title is “unemployed,” and the only benefit you have is being able to send emails from your phone in bed all day. During my new agency contract, I had the luxury of investigating alternative options, knowing the freelance gig could turn into a full-time gig if I wanted it.

Because I wasn’t afraid of unemployment anymore, I had the confidence to ask tough questions that I knew might make people uncomfortable (calling out bad reviews from former employees, for example). I countered existing job descriptions with the ones I actually wanted. I developed proposals around the salary band I thought I deserved based on market research and help from recruiter friends, and used facts and figures to push for it.

I began turning interviewers into interviewees, asking them questions about their company’s vision of the future, and determining whether I wanted to be part of it. I focused less on getting in with the big-name agencies and more on finding a spot that felt like the best fit for me.

“NEW YORK I LOVE YOU, BUT YOU’RE BRINGING ME DOWN”

Back when I only visited New York for business trips, I saw the city as a magical wonderland of art, theater, and intense connections. But as a resident, I saw it as a crowded, angry place that taught me to keep my head down, walk fast, and stay guarded. On the one hand, that was disappointing. On the other, it piqued my curiosity about places I’d previously dismissed.

A native Texan, I spent my formative years in Dallas devouring queso, chugging sweet tea, and enjoying the fact that 90% of my family lived within an hour radius of me. As a 15-month Brooklyn resident, I’d captured hundreds of short stories inspired by people on my subway commute, discovered the value of weatherproof boots, and tapped into an energy unlike any I’d experienced before.

Now I had a chance to try something completely different. New sights. New stories. New people. And the way that thought got my heart pumping was enough to counteract the dread of packing and moving once again.

Eventually, I got a call from an interested Seattle-based recruiter. Had I received it prior to my New York adventure, I likely would’ve turned down the opportunity. But because I already knew the excitement a cross-country move could offer, I was open to the idea.

I found what turned out to be the perfect fit: an agency I’d never heard of in a city I never thought I’d live in. Through two months of deep, honest conversations with everyone from the recruiter to the CEO, I’d found a place where I felt I could make a difference.

Was I terrified about packing up and moving across the country yet again? Absolutely. Would I want it any other way? No way. Being scared is always better than being stuck.

 

FastCompany.com | KATE KEMP, MONSTER |  07.13.16 

Your #Career : 6 Ways the Recession Inflicted Scars on Millions of Unemployed Americans…Damage from a Layoff Can Include Smaller Paychecks for Decades, Lower Rates of Homeownership, Psychological Issues & Perhaps Even Shorter Lifespans

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The recession ended nearly seven years ago. But for millions of Americans, the damage will endure for decades to come.  An estimated one in six U.S. workers lost a job between 2007 and 2009. The labor market’s post recession recovery was painfully slow and halting. The full toll won’t be known for decades, but it already is clear that years of widespread, persistent unemployment and underemployment have had serious consequences for individual workers and the nation as a whole.

Free- Lighthouse on Cloudy Weather

Here are some of the scars inflicted on American workers by the 2007-2009 recession, based on decades of academic research into the effects of job loss.

Taking a Pay Cut
A layoff means the loss of a paycheck. But even when unemployed workers find new jobs, they usually earn less than did before – especially during recessions, when it is more difficult to find a well-paying job. For workers who were displaced in 2007-2009 and re-employed by early 2010, the average drop in inflation-adjusted weekly earnings was 17.5%, according to an analysis of Labor Department.  Many others were unable to find work at all. Historically, only about one in four displaced workers gets back to their pre-layoff earnings after five years.

 

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Smaller Paychecks for Decades
Even years later, workers who were laid off tend to earn smaller paychecks compared with workers who kept their jobs. The estimated scale of the loss can vary from study to study. A 2011 paper said earnings losses of 15% to 20% after 10 to 20 years for people displaced during recessions, and even people displaced during economic expansions saw long-term losses of about 10%. A 2015 paper found a long-term wage hit of more than 10%, with more severe losses after a second or third displacement. Long-term unemployment can be especially damaging, with workers who were unemployed longer than six months earning 32% less after 10 years versus a 9% loss for those with a shorter spell of joblessness, according to a 2014 working paper. A February working paper said that comparing displaced workers with a control group of continuously employed workers may overstate the damage to earnings; an alternative approach found a loss of 5% after 10 years, instead of 25%.

Homeownership Gap
The Boston Fed’s analysis found workers who have been unemployed also were less likely to own a home. “This homeownership gap closes over time … as more years elapse since an individual’s last unemployment spell,” Boston Fed economist Daniel Cooper wrote. “Indeed, the gap is roughly halved after 10 years and is nonexistent after 20 years.” But for workers who were unemployed longer than six months, he found, the homeownership gap did not close even after 20 years.

Psychological Problems
The cost of job loss isn’t limited to money. Studies have found unemployment generates feelings of anxiety and shame and is linked with higher rates of depression, according to a review by University of California, Los Angeles sociologist Jennie Brand. But there may be a silver lining: Ms. Brand said the psychological effects may be less severe when people are displaced during a severe recession like the 2007-2009 downturn, when so many other people are in similar situations. “When you lose a job and it’s a big recession and people are coming to expect it’s a possibility, it’s less likely you think, ‘There’s something wrong with me, and I lost my job because I’m not a great worker,’” she said in an interview.

Shorter Lifespans
The evidence is somewhat mixed on how unemployment affects physical health. Some studies have found health actually improves during recessions as, for instance, people smoke and drink less. But other research points to negative effects, including a 2009 study that found a spike in mortality for Pennsylvania men who were laid off in the early 1980s. Economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton have found that the death rate for middle-aged whites in the U.S. has been rising as a result of suicides, substance abuse and liver diseases, all possibly the result of economic distress. And a working paper this year found “strong evidence that economic downturns lead to increases in substance-use disorders involving hallucinogens and prescription pain relievers.”

The Next Generation
The pain of a layoff can spread beyond the person who loses his or her job. A number of studies have found that children of displaced workers also suffer consequences. Students are more likely to repeat a grade after a parent is laid off, and a father’s layoff leads toincreased rates of anxiety and depression in children. A 2008 study found that annual earnings of men whose fathers had been laid off were about 9% lower than the earnings of otherwise similar children whose fathers stayed employed. “The results suggest that the long-term consequences of unexpected job loss extend beyond the effect on one’s own income to the eventual labor market outcomes of one’s children,” the researchers wrote

 

WSJ.com | May 10, 2016 | BEN LEUBSDORF