What's In The Recovery Plan For Me?

With all of the negative media surrounding the economy in what is being titled as the worst since the great depression and large job-loss increases in financial, manufacturing and service sector roles the question that increasingly arises as a career coach is, “With so many industries crumbling, which are roles are growing for the future?”

Three million jobs are expected to grow in the next 18 months according to the Presidential address on the Economic Recovery Plan. A few of the growth target areas are listed below:

Education
Jobs that fix classrooms, in fact 10,000 schools for over 5 million students will be in high demand. Teaching assignments specifically in math and science will also be a focus to keep our nation competitive. Tripling the number of fellowships in science is good news for those that have a calling to teach and great news to those willing to turn in their time in business for chalkboards and notebooks. Many colleges and universities have programs offering fast track of other degrees to teaching certification programs.

Healthcare
With technology in healthcare administration being one of the last things to upgrade the medical arena, roles in medical administration and billing will be a wanted skill to help curb the outlandish costs of health care in our nation. While computerizing our health records in the five years is aggressive, programs offered at local community colleges will be a hot ticket in the next 18 moths as we move forward to have real-time data in the medical arena.

Information Technology
The President, our first that has been deemed as an “Internet Leader” has committed to expanding the web to reach all areas of the US, and expand the information superhighway. This translates into web design, hardware, software and broadband management jobs. Again, classes at vocational schools and community colleges will be packed with folks looking to turn a new chapter in their lives.

Energy
Doubling our capacity for renewable energy in solar, wind and bio-fuels will take-up a considerable amount of the new growth for our country. This translates into a degree in anything associated with “green management” or energy to be a good role both domestically and internationally. In fact, one of the pledges is to have75% of all federal buildings more energy efficient in the next few years.

Construction Management and Civil Engineering
Creating jobs that will fix or repair our roads, bridges and highways are anticipated to be a big focus to help the nation react to the job-loss increases. In addition the President plans to build a new electricity grid for the US. New mass transit options for the nations large cities. This shows jobs in construction and civil engineering to be stable for the future.

While all of these goals are based on the federal governments pledge to stimulate the economy, most will be in the private sector and therefore stimulation of the small and mid-sized employers helping our country be stronger and more prosperous. This is good news for our economy and those looking to change or expand their current career in any of these listed assignments.

Contact one of our career coaches today to conduct your complimentary career assessment session at http://www.career-forward.com/.

I think I am going to quit...Really?

Receiving a call from a friend about quitting his high-paying sales job during the week of what was anticipated to be a continuation of the United States job loss rate increasing seemed at first blush, surreal to me as a career coach. In fact, my initial response to him was “I assume you don’t get the paper or news in your hometown?” However, after discussing what led to his decision I agreed with his assessment…sometimes (regardless of the Macroeconomics) you have to stand-up for something.

What led to his decision is something, I fear as a career coach, many more of us will experience as the belts get tightened in many companies. A series of broken promises, reduced earnings despite stellar performance, and conversations that fall on deaf ears can leave many of us thinking, “This isn’t what I signed up for!” The other side, and the thing some cutthroat organizations are counting on, is feeding that fear through intimidation with a response of “Too bad. Where are they going to go?”

The reality of this exchange can be full of fear. But if handled correctly, it can also serve as fuel to surge for a great job search.

First and foremost, never compromise your morals or values out of fear. It has become commonplace to hear about organizations violating ethical standards and sometimes even common sense and the LAW, all in the name of profits and appearance. No job or assignment is worth tarnishing your reputation. In fact, I venture to say that regardless of your role, you will be tainted with a negative cloud if you sit by when you should have stood up. Would you hire someone that worked for Bernie Madoff’s accounting department?

Second, if it appears you need to change, prepare yourself financially ASAP. The six months reserve we are all conditioned to believe we should have probably wasn’t enough for those of us affected by the stock market lately, but there are many things we can do to prepare for a change. Cut out the latte’s, no more HBO, and buy a new tie instead of a new suit. These all serve as great starting points for examining your discretionary spend…let’s set the example for the federal government!

Finally, focus on ramping up your job search as quickly and with as much enthusiasm as you can, in spite of the negative environment. The truth is…many companies ARE hiring; just look at the most recent issue of Fortune’s 100 Top Employers. Ramp up your search efforts by fine tuning your resume or CV, frame and reframe your accomplishments, define your career path, get ‘LinkedIn’ and put your game-face on Facebook…just a few things you can do to kick your search into high gear.

In the end, changing jobs is almost never easy. But if the time is right for you, there is no time like the present! Contact one of our career coaches today for your complimentary and confidential career assessment – http://www.career-forward.com/.

Should I Go Back To School?

Not many of us get an opportunity to have a “do-over” in life, and if you recently lost your job it probably doesn’t feel that way right now. While the reality of the jobless market is anticipated to get a little gloomier tomorrow, many see the current economy as an opportunity to return to school and focus on new skills or trades.

Today’s Wall Street Journal article “The Jobless Go Back to School and, They Hope, Work” is a shining example of what some are doing in the face of a downturn. Highlighting the distinction between blue and white collar jobs and what some career coaching professionals use as a playbook for the “Hidden Job Market” the Department of Labor lists the top-rated job categories for 2006-2016. To make it even better for Ohioans, the Department of Job and Family Services has listed the top 50 high wage occupations for Ohio ( http://ohiolmi.com/proj/Projections/Ohio/Buckeye50.pdf ). If necessity is truly the mother of invention, then the fact that 45 of the top 50 paying jobs in Ohio require a college degree then the return to school as a possible choice for your future well-being should be a strong option. To make this decision in an educated fashion…no pun intended…take time to evaluate your current skill-set, your vision of what the perfect job will look like and what brings you personal satisfaction.

Keep in mind if you chose the route of entering the workforce before college, it may seem awkward to hit the books after you “grew-up”. However, the reality of entering school after some seasoning in the real-world can often be very helpful. If you would like some assistance in mapping your career choice, contact one of our coaches at http://www.career-forward.com/.

I Hate Networking...I never know what to say!

Unfortunately for most people, one of the toughest things to do is work a networking event. While most issues that come from these events have a little bit to do with personal insecurity. The problem is usually double sided. First it appears that for some, networking comes natural…while not really an issue (except for the secret homicidal thoughts that these folks will either give you their playbook or choke on their coffee), the real issue is that most people refuse to network until they absolutely have to, in other words, they need something form the group!

So when you get over the anxiety of spending the next couple of hours with strangers, here are a few cards to keep in your back pocket to make small talk when drawing a blank on what to talk about other than the latest Cavs run streak. Use the F.O.R.M. approach:

F- Questions about their family.
O- Discussions about their occupation or careers.
R- Questions about their favorite type of recreation.
M- What is the message you want them to walk away with.

Leading with the above (not necessarily in that order) is a great way to break the ice with strangers and get the conversation moving. Remember that while you may be nervous talking to others…your not alone…everyone there is in the same boat (except that guy who can talk to anyone). Finally, when you don’t need it so desperately, go to that networking event, you will have a much better time when pressure is off.

Contact us at www.career-forward.com for your complimentary career coaching session.

My Boss just got fired...Am I next? (Part Two)

Contemplating your fate in light of a company shake-up can lead to many irrational thoughts. It’s probably safe to say that in the last year most of us can identify with some sort of restructure, downsize or reduction in force; if not from personal experience then somewhere close to home, friends, family and neighbors. When the reaper comes a callin’ at your place of business, how do you handle it?

Initially, you may feel relieved if your boss is terminated, but don’t relax just yet…especially if there is doubt on your personal or team impact to the business. While certainly the buck must stop with someone, many leaders either fail or are replaced as a result of their team performance and not their personal misgivings. If you haven’t been earmarked as a high potential or “A” player than you need to understand the potential answer to “am I next?” While not easy to take, being prepared for both sides of the coin can help you immensely. Let’s look at both:

Am I Next? “No it was a performance issue of Mr. Boss and we think bringing in Ms. New Boss will help the entire team.” Immediately you sense relief but if you haven’t had exposure to the decision-makers, then you’ve probably been sheltered and therefore your contribution might have gone unnoticed. After finding temporary comfort in your continued ability to make the rent, begin laying out an action plan to aid in your new boss’s transition, help him/her get acclimated to the team, educate them on the challenges, the dept and business face and more importantly your support to the company. This is also a great opportunity to reevaluate your role, and seeking new responsibilities is one of the best ways to survive the downturn. In the February issue of Money Magazine, Donna Rosato writes in her article “Fireproof Your Job” that there are six smart field tested strategies to ensure you are not part of the cutbacks, one of them being, Go Beyond Your Job Description.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/14/news/economy/avoid_layoffs.moneymag/index.htm

Am I Next? “Well…we didn’t want to tell you in this format, but yes you are part of the reduction.” What a tough message to take! Catch your breath and look at the immediate task. Take care of your family and yourself, no time like the present to understand your options. First, assuming your ego can take it, ask the question, very directly, “is there any other position in the company that I can fill?” Remember your fight or flight mechanism has kicked in so don’t do anything rash. If there is no other assignment or an available role doesn’t work for you, it’s time to understand some important things: severance, COBRA, retirement, outplacement assistance, vacation payout, transition of responsibilities and reference. You can never go wrong by taking the high road, and remember you do not have to agree to anything right then and there. Take a day to regain your composure and “make your argument” for being treated like an individual and not a number. In other words – explain why you deserve a little more! The reality of this is slim in these economic times, but handling the exit with class can go a long way. If you are faced with any of these challenges, call a career coach to help in your new found search. Remember, this too shall pass… but you can get a jumpstart by talking to a professional.

Career-Forward provides a free initial consultation for your career mapping. Contact one of our coaches at www.carrer-forward.com.