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Last week I presented a program for the North Dallas/Plano Career Focus Group at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, titled Driving Your Plans to Work. I thought you’d like a taste of that presentation, if you didn’t attend. I customized the presentation for the group as the program coordinator indicated he wanted me to encourage the group to look for former jobs, as well as think about alternatives.
I listened attentively to the 30 second presentations of the participants’ job titles, understanding the exercise is important for a couple of reasons:
1) You focus on your best skills.
2) You may be able to furnish leads and contacts to each other.
But no matter how good your 30 second commercials are, you need good plans for the upcoming year.
Finances
How much do you need to make? Pay cuts abound, as only 27% plan to increase salaries for new hires in 2010, according to a recent article titled, Employers see uptick in hiring in 2010.
Personality
Shyness is not an asset in changing jobs or careers. You must bury shyness. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, you need to forget any cockiness or faux-confidence in your blood. You are in sales, which means you modify your behavior to meet the needs of the situation. Whether you feel like it or not, push yourself to be diplomatic and friendly. If you have a liability, do NOT let it hinder you. Focus on your assets.
Skills
Know what your best skills are. They can transfer to other industries or your own business, but it is not an easy switch.
Role Models
Who were your role models growing up? Was your mom or dad an entrepreneur? Did your favorite uncle drive a truck or own a restaurant? Who was your favorite manager/boss? All these experiences color your drive to success.
Plan of Action
I see many who know how to write a great resume and interview well, but they only have one plan. You need back up plans. Plans need to be written and reviewed periodically and not only remain in your head. They don’t have to be fancy or written well enough to go to the bank; however, you do need to determine how you will arrive at your destination. Target companies, whether for full time jobs or entrepreneurial endeavors. How will you sell yourself (the product) or market your own business?
That’s it for today for I must keep massaging my 2010 business plan, which is in sad shape at the moment. Isn’t there a story about the shoemakers’ children going barefoot?
Be sure to subscribe and read my articles at:
http://www.examiner.com/x-31872-Dallas-Career-Transition-Examiner
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
When Jo was laid off, she was tired of it; she wanted to be her own boss. A depressed economy often reveals more introspection by people who want to explore self-employment. My bet is there are many days, you’d like to fire your boss!
Jo was a training manager. Although she had experience in several industries, she knew her degree in Business Administration might not be valued as much as a technical degree She understood profit and loss, along with proven management skills. Jo felt she could manage training projects in any industry but with so much competition, she realized that owning her own business could be the answer.
Should she look for another training job or start her own business? She needs health benefits and there is no second income to support her family. What should she do?
Jo is passionate about books. Her dream is to own a book store when she retires, which may be more than five to ten years in the future. But she decided now is not the time, with the economy in shambles. She started contacting former colleagues. Linkedin.com became a “new friend.” She attended an online class to learn techniques for using Linkedin for job search. Much to her amazement, when she attained 300 connections, she received more calls and requests to link with people she hardly knew.
Jo went to the local bookstore to purchase a few career books and while she was there, she applied for a part time job. If she couldn’t own a bookstore at this time, she’d find out more about the industry. Although her unemployment checks were reduced, she began working 20 hours a week. Not only did she love the work, but her part time schedule allowed her to pursue a full time job. Sometimes she worked into the wee hours of the night on her search but did not neglect other important aspects of her job search, like regular exercise and volunteering.
Three months later Jo landed a full time job through a lead from one of her friends. As she approaches age 60, she may face another layoff before long. She decided to stay with the part time job. Working two jobs is exhausting at times, but the money helps. In fact, she likes the bookstore better than her “day job.” And she’s exploring locations which might work for her bookstore at a future date.
Jo is a fabulous role model for all of us. By working, using her network and creating new connections, she found her old job in a new industry. Finding a training position is not easy. But she stayed focused and talked her way into a new job by not letting age or lack of specific industry skill stand in her way. And she’s also preparing for the next step in her career with her part time job. My bet is one day she will follow her passion. And you can, too!
An excellent source of information is the Small Business Administration. If you’ve been thinking about owning a business, check the information about the money available through the SBA. Many rules and guideline exist to help you through the miles of “red tape” to find money for your dreams. It appears there is money for loans, if you do the research, write the plans and follow through on all the details.
You may want to visit my article that provides additional information about self-employment at http://www.examiner.com/x-31872-Dallas-Career-Transition-Examiner.
Whatever your passion may be, I wish you luck in the fast approaching New Year. May 2010 be your best year ever!
Upbeat News
Although the economy has not leaped forward, I see glimmers of hope. The DFW Business Journal excels as a resource for what companies are growing, declining, and relocating. If you in career or job transition, or even contemplating it, you need to read the online version or the weekly paper publication. The Dallas Morning News, of course, is a resource which must not be neglected. The new in the Journal this week showed potential growth in various industries and companies, including telecom.
Openings
My most urgent job opening: I have an opening for a Field Applications Engineer in the Oregon or Washington state area. Go to the jobs tab at www.hotcareers.com for details.
Presentation
I’ll be presenting an hour workshop (that means it’s interactive) called Driving Your Career Plans to Work on Friday, 12/18/09 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, TX at Coit/Parker Roads. The information is a quick review of assessment, resume writing, interviewing, marketing/networking and planning for a new career. If you are contemplating a career or job change in the near future or currently unemployed, you are welcome to attend.
Announcement
You may want to read my online articles on www.examiner.com, which is a cool place to find all kinds of local news. Www.examiner.com has authors around the country who write about cats, movies, food, business and many other topics of interest. I’ve been selected to be the specialist concerning Career Transition for Dallas. I write periodically, so you’ll want to subscribe on my page to be notified each time I write. The button for subscribing is on the toolbar at the top left of the screen. This week I reviewed Up in the Air, the new George Clooney movie, which I enjoyed, not only because of the spoofing of our outplacement ethics, but also because the message is abundantly clear that our jobs are far less important than our relationships.
Other
When we are unhappy in our workaday world, our relationships suffer. We need to think and act positively, even in difficult situations. Rather than be quoted in the NY Times about your sad situation, please send me a note regarding your actions which are leading to success. I’d love to hear from you. My email is rglover@hotcareers.com.
Suggesting contract work to many unemployed individuals brings horrified looks. “But that would interfere with my unemployment benefits! And I wouldn’t have time to look for a job. It would destroy my credibility as a full time employee.” I’ve heard all the excuses and I understand the dilemma; however, finding work, especially when you are over 50, can be more than challenging.
A big reason employers shed a far-less-than-expected 11,000 jobs last month is that temporary staffing agencies found slots for 52,000 additional workers, the most since 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said
According to a Wall Street Journal article recently, “The number of unemployed workers ages 55 to 64 has nearly tripled since the recession began, to about 1.6 million of the nation’s 15.4 million unemployed as of November, according to the Labor Department. By comparison, the number of jobless workers of all ages has roughly doubled.” Statistics demonstrate the difficulty for this group.
If you are unemployed, how long are you willing to try to live on the unemployment benefits and savings? Wouldn’t it be better to consider contracting? You’d be with employed people with a chance to prove your worth and discover whether the company culture fits you. Managers’ fear of making hiring mistakes, plus the reality of shorter term ramps on product launch provide diverse opportunities for contractors.
The job search cycle starts with the unemployed individual stating, “I want to stay in this area.” Three to six months later, that person thinks about relocation, but home sales are problematic. Joe Job-Seeker may lose his shirt while selling his home to move to another location. Better that he thinks about a contract position before uprooting the family.
Contract firms appreciate workers with strong business ethics. The Boomer crowd has a reputation for diligence and meeting deadlines.
Benefits don’t have to be an issue. When you work for a contract agency, they often offer benefits, which are not as costly as COBRA, yet not as robust as Fortune 500 companies provide.
The search string “contractor growth” appears almost 9 Million times in a google search today. Try a google search to see what agencies may have opportunities for you. I’m convinced contracting is more plentiful than full time work in this market. And it can lead to full time work.
When I was a single parent in a different career (vocational counselor/trainer), we went on strike. I had two young children and very little money. Determined to make the Christmas full of joy for my small family, I scrambled to make the season fun and memorable. With our full blown recession today, even if we are gainfully employed with plenty of cash flow, we are tightening our belts again this year. Here are some suggestions which may be fun for you and your family.
- Go to a $1.00 movie (which is now $1.50 during peak hours). I noticed excellent movies are currently showing, which I missed earlier this year.
- Have a neighborhood party. Do you know your neighbors? Parties are networking opportunities. Ask your guests to bring something to share and the cost won’t be prohibitive.
- Instead of purchasing gifts for everyone in the family, exchange names or simply give presents to the children. We all seem to collect too much “stuff.”
- Clean a closet or toy box and donate “stuff.” What a good way to give to others!
- Make gifts. One of my adult children reminded me that we made gifts for dogs. They sold them in the neighborhood for a little extra cash the year I was on strike.
- Many suburbs are having free celebrations. Go online to see what is upcoming in your area, which is free or inexpensive.
- Drive through neighborhoods with Christmas lights. Regardless of your religion, the lights are beautiful. My children would complain lustily when I dragged them to the car to see the lights and now they take my grandchildren to see them. If you have a grumpy driver who objects to traffic, maybe you could gather a group and split the cost for a horse and carriage!
- Attend a concert or ballet. You can spend a fortune on concerts or holiday performances or find them in your neighborhood schools for less expense.
- Volunteer at a food pantry or other non-profit organization.
- Invite someone you want to know better for dinner and engaging conversation..
We are all concerned about the economy, health insurance, the wars, politics but this is the season for joy. May your holiday season be full of unexpected surprises and laughter!
I’m struggling today to not be trite, but we truly have so many blessings, which sounds like such a cliche. But Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. We don’t have to think about whether Aunt Sue will like the scarf or Johnny will tear up the toy before the day is over.
My thanksgiving list includes the usual family, friends, faith and food.
- Although my children are spread around the country, I will see almost all of them this week. I love the chaos and noise that will bring to my home.
- And I am grateful for SKYPE, as I can see and talk with my long distance family on my computer, almost weekly.
- Thanks for my life which is enriched with a husband who is my best friend. We are so different and yet the relationship is strong, even in down times.
- I’m grateful for my work, which I love. It’s not easy for most people in transition these days. I’m always excited when I can find a better opportunity for an individual, whether it’s through my recruiting, outplacement consulting or volunteer endeavors.
- My church is a blessing. Participation with people on a path to spiritual growth comforts me. I’m a volunteer with their JOB Group where the potential exists to assist many who are in job transition.
- I’m glad I’m healthy. As a cancer survivor, I’m aware of my good fortune on a daily basis. And I’m very happy for my friend Cindy, who is such an inspiration for everyone as she overcomes breast cancer for the second time. She rocks!
- And I’m thankful for the pets in my life. They bring great joy in their undying loyalty, come hell or high water!
Ok, it’s your turn. I urge you to make a list of your blessings. You may be on a high or low road right now, but I can’t think of anyone who remains there indefinitely. We all experience peaks and valleys. Life changes rapidly. Thanksgiving is a time to drop any bad thoughts and concentrate on the positives in our lives.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I am very worried. The economy appears to be improving but the job market certainly lags woefully. I am worried when I hear people say, “I want a job with stability.” I’m worried when I hear someone say, “I’m a Project Manager and I can lead a project in any industry.” I’m worried when I hear someone say, “No, I won’t work contract.” I just wish someone would pay me for worrying. Surely I’d be a billionaire!
Please seriously look for Plan B and start implementing it. What will you do if suddenly your job disappears forever? You need to plan. Here are some guidelines.
Assessment & Research
When you dream about other work, what comes to mind? Sit down with a piece of paper and list the tasks or projects which brought you a real sense of satisfaction. Was it teaching or selling? Were you recognized for your photography at a recent wedding? Do you love working on cars? Assessing your skills, education and experience incorporates the essence of your next step. Career change is easiest when your “gears” involve current talent and interests.
I have a friend who went to seminary at age 53. Her career at that point looked like a patchwork quilt, as she always wanted to be a minister and refused to implement her plan. She and her husband lived in poverty while she attended school but as she reminded me, “In three years, I’ll still be 56 whether I go to school or not.” Her new life is full and challenging; she loves it. Stories such as this one abound. But you must be willing to plan and probably sacrifice to achieve a career change.
Talk to people in the grocery business or restaurant business. Just because you like to eat healthy doesn’t mean you have the stomach for the hours they work. On the other hand, you may find a niche where you could fit. I know a career writer who takes his clients white water rafting. Guess what his hobby is?
Online career assessment is readily available. I like http://www.livecareer.com/ as their free assessment provides food for thought and is based on excellent career theory. Another good resource for assessment is The Everything Career Tests Book by Llewelyn and Holt. Plus, most colleges offer career testing.
Research the competition. Google and other online resources, along with your public library are your new best friends. You can start a business from scratch, buy an established business, or purchase a franchise. All have their risks and rewards. Do your research to make an informed decision and establish a timeline.
Alternatives
Other ideas abound for supplementing your income or finding new ways to use your skills. More and more companies are hiring through agencies, especially temporary or contract agencies. This method merits serious consideration for the advantages for both you and the company. You discover the culture, the management, and the realities if you work contract or temporary. The employer ascertains your work ethic and your abilities. No, you may not have robust benefits or any health benefits but contract work will put food on your table with a definite possibility of benefits in the future.
Think creatively. Maybe a volunteer activity will evolve into a leadership role and paid position. Perhaps you harbor an idea to manufacture a “widget” in your garage or create a unique, needed software package. Maybe you are the next Bill Gates.
Success!
Not all career moves are up the ladder. As I said in the book I wrote for you (MORE than a Paycheck: Inspiration and Tools for Career Change), more and more people are not just shifting gears, but they are climbing over and even down to find new, more satisfying careers. Changing careers is not necessarily easy and there is a chance of failure but you might as well try. Now get going and good luck!
I first met Gabi when I recruited for a major HVAC company over ten years ago. She needed an administrative job. As I recall, she started as a temporary employee but soon became full time. She was a single parent with a great attitude and work ethic. Both of us left the company after a few years for other endeavors. About six years ago she appeared in my life again. She had remarried and was living near our lake home, which we wanted to sell. “Gabi, is that you?” I said when we discovered each other in the same neighborhood. She was cleaning houses, working part time for a small office and selling Mary Kay products on the side. Her husband, a really nice telecom technician was looking for work and they were in the process of moving back to Dallas. She recommended a wonderful realtor for us. Gabi’s helpful nature leads to many simple acts of kindness.
Since that time Gabi and I have stayed in touch, mostly on her part. She sends periodic emails about her Mary Kay products, her new grandchild, wonderfully cheerful emails of encouragement that I, in turn, forward to a few of my friends. And periodically she tells me that her husband is between contracts, as times have been tough for years for telecom people.
This week I sent her a note and asked her if she would want to send information to her mail list about my book MORE than Paycheck: Inspiration and Tools for Career Change. Almost immediately Gabi called me to tell me she’d be glad to share the information. We talked briefly. Her husband just began a new contract and she’s been with the same small company in Dallas for three years, again climbing the career ladder to executive assistant in the company. They don’t have any insurance at this point but they are making ends meet.
We talked about how she is a good example of being a friend and I promised to give you, my readers, her website for ordering Mary Kay products, as we are in a new economy and need to help each other as much as possible. She has several streams of income from her regular job, her cosmetics and my bet she has other entrepreneurial endeavors. I asked her if her husband has considered a career change, but she said, “It’s all he’s ever done since high school. He wouldn’t know what to do.” He probably has hobbies or interests that could be molded into something more fun than being unemployed every whipstitch. Maybe he’s mechanical and could fix things. Maybe he’s a carpenter and could re-finish furniture. Who knows? But as individuals grow older, they need to think about a Plan B. Gabi is set, but I’m worried about her husband.
Do you see anyone you know in this story? Is it you? Do you have a Plan B? Are you the helpful person in the story? Where have nifty, unexpected acts of kindness evolved for you?
I share this story to illustrate the power of networking and friendship. We just never know who and when someone from our past will be helpful Gabi knows how to market herself and stay in touch with people. She doesn’t worry about “branding” and trite newsletters. She understands that networking goes two ways. And she understands the importance of multiple streams of income and providing help in various situations.
Can you think of some people in your past you need to contact? Do it! Don’t put it off. You never know what surprise results may occur. Your simple acts of kindness often boomerang!
If you need Mary Kay products, please contact Gabi Hennessey, whose website is http://www.marykay.com/gdugan. She may be a new friend in the process.
Why in the world did you send me your resume? I have an ad posted for an Android Software Developer. My client won’t pay me for someone who doesn’t have the right skills. If you are trying to change careers, you need to spend time networking, not sending me a resume when your background is Information Technology rather than Engineering. Yes, I know you have good skills but they don’t match the requirements.
Thus far today, I’ve received a number of resumes for the job opening I most urgently want to fill. And absolutely none of them are remotely qualified. I know there are many unemployed people who need jobs and I’d like to help each and every one of them, but there just isn’t time.
I’d like to assist you but simply sending a resume doesn’t help either of us. Project Managers have excellent coordination skills but what can I say to you other than the usual, “Are you networking? Are you reading the DFW Business Journal for ideas? Have you thought about government work?” I’m upset today as I can’t help all the people who need help.
I hope you don’t think I’m rude when I don’t respond. But time management is crucial for both of us. If you truly think you match the job, your resume needs to reflect that. And your cover letter needs to explain why you are qualified.
Make good use of your time. I met with a friend last week. The meeting demonstrated a great example of how to make a contact “win-win” for both parties. Currently he is working but in an insecure position. We’ve worked together in the past and are staying in touch. Our conversation covered work, family, and friends in common. I know more about what he’s currently doing and he gave me a lead for an upcoming opening I know will happen. THAT was not a waste of time. He knows I’m still in the semiconductor market and I know that if the right opportunity arose for him, he might be open to interview for it.
Those of you who read my blog know that I advocate volunteer work. I’m involved with the JOB Group at my church and make presentations for various groups to encourage people in transition. And people often refer their friends to me for brief assistance. That is no problem, as I love helping people succeed. But I would rather get your resume from you or your friend directly than have you send me your resume as if you are qualified for one of my openings. I guess I’m struggling with my own time management as so many are deserving of assistance.
There are services which blast your resume to a zillion companies and claim that they save time. I can tell when resumes are blasted to me. I simply delete those resumes. You not only waste your time but also your money, if you use this method. Quality contacts are important, rather than a shot gun approach. Focus, focus, focus on the return on your investment of time and effort.
Today’s message emphasizes time management. READ the ads and apply for those where you have at least three of the qualifications. Try to find someone to carry your resume to the right hiring manager. Send your resume to companies where they use your skills. With a minimum of 75% of jobs filled through networking, connect with people in your field. Sending out resumes randomly is just a waste of time.
Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve… You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love…
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Volunteering is networking. Whether you are working or unemployed, underemployed or dissatisfied, you need to meet new people. You never know when the contacts through volunteering will be incredibly useful. And there are many other reasons to “become involved.” Too many people are hostages of their computers and daily tasks.
1) You need to be with people other than just your friends, relatives and co-workers.
2) Sitting behind a computer is not good for your health, regardless of how tired you are.
3) Organizations need your help.
4) Choosing a volunteer activity which fascinates you may lead to a new or related occupation.
MEETING NEW PEOPLE
My engineering friends who are laid off often tell me they didn’t have time to do any volunteering or networking, which is sad as they must quickly build a network, rather than having established long term relationships. I don’t hear from most until they need a job.
Join a group to help in some way. If you are an engineer you might to join IEEE or a Chamber of Commerce in the area to keep relationships new and ongoing.
ESCAPING THE COMPUTER
Jeff Baker, a job search volunteer in the area, posts great articles online periodically for job seekers. I especially liked his post on a couple of mail lists about Seven Deadly Sins for Older Job Seekers. He is branding himself as a caring person, who happens to be looking for a job. He doesn’t just attend meetings but is involved.
You have to “grin and grab” at meetings and organizations. As I said in a presentation the other day, “Ed McMahon is dead. No one will knock on your door to give you a million dollars.” A good strong handshake with someone at a church function or Habitat for Humanity could provide the lead you need. You’ll have the chance to hear about the person’s job, company and maybe how many kids he has. And he’ll know about you and your goals.
VOLUNTEERING
Not only do organizations need help during this economy, but you will find great value in what you do in volunteering. And it could lead to a new passion in your life. Get involved in SHRM.org or a fund raiser for diabetes or disabled children. I’ve seen all three of these activities lead to creative opportunities for those involved.
FINDING NEW WORK THROUGH YOUR PASSION
In my book MORE than a Paycheck: Inspiration and Tools for Career Change, you can read stories about people who have moved their careers in various ways. Abby the Artist is a great example of the importance of volunteering to find her next career. She was a Project Manager in Marketing/Graphics Departments, laid off periodically. She loved to paint murals. She was tired of the rat race and took a little time to paint a mural in her home. With fear and trepidation she decided to start her own business. She did a mural for a friend for free and started her “proof” book. Soon she joined a group of professional artists to learn from them. She met people who hired her to assist them. And the rest is history. Today she is a successful muralist for high-end homes and commercial buildings.
I can hear your wailing that you don’t have time. You must make time. No job is secure even in a good economy. If you aren’t volunteering, I urge you to commit to attend a few different meetings to see which one may help you find MORE than a Paycheck in your future. You may just find a new career in the process!
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