The 5-Minute Pick-Me-Up

If you are in need of some perspective today, take 5 minutes and watch
this video Get Back Up

Is the Glass Half Full? Laid Off or New Lease on Life.

Recently overheard/read on Twitter: "The difference between 'unemployed' and 'self-employed' is pretty much in your head." (insert applause and cheering.) If you are currently unemployed due to layoffs, I encourage you to consider a new perspective. Historically, recessions reward those who are being creative and innovative. That means thinking differently about your situation.

Are you unemployed or are you self-employed? Are you a victim of layoffs and the economy or have you been handed a new lease on life and a chance to position yourself for the job of your dreams? Do you hate having 'all this time' on your hands or are you enjoying a mid-life 'mini retirement' instead of waiting until you are 65 yrs old?

I'm realistic. I know that how you view your situation may not bring you a job (or a paycheck) tomorrow. However, it will make the journey much more enjoyable and re-energizing. Spend some time (yes, I know you have time!) reflecting on what you love, what you were passionate about in college, what you always thought you would be when you 'grew up.' How does it line up with your life today? Ask yourself if you open to work in other fields, to freelancing or contract work. All these are avenues that could lead you to an opportunity that you wouldn't find following the traditional 'full time in my same job' route.

So I ask you: Are you a victim of layoffs or have you been given a new lease on life?

Why aren't you on LinkedIn?

If you are happily employed, you should be on LinkedIn. If you are looking for a job, you should be on LinkedIn. If you are considering a career change, you should be on LinkedIn. Get the picture? I will write more about why I, as a recruiter and someone who has personally experienced a layoff, think you should be in the LinkedIn bandwagon. But for now, Guy Kawasaki does a great job in his blog about the 10 Ways to Use LinkedIn

Naively Optimistic? You betcha!

In the 3/1/09 Sunday Pioneer Press section on the economy, reporter Allison Kaplan decided to focus on the positive things coming out of layoffs.  In her article, "Is There Life After A Layoff? Yes, Say Former Employees Who Have Created Businesses", I get a few lines to evangelize on the perks of taking charge of your career. 

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11793205

As an recruiter, I regularly hear from people who were just laid off. Many of them, still reeling from the shock, can't imagine life without a regular paycheck. They think that working for a company = safety. As someone who has experienced both being laid off and launching a small business, I've come to identify the false sense of security that we subscribe to when we work for others. Companies don't owe you anything. In today's economy, many companies aren't able to offer even severance and transition assistance. Where's the 'security' in that?

For those of you in transition, are you open to freelance or contract work? Do you have a business idea burning in you? I challenge you to explore these options. While learning cash flow management can be scary, the sense of pride, accomplishment, empowerment and satisfaction that comes from taking charge of your career is worth the effort.  Go for it.