Fear Not! Despite Economic Woes

By Herm Allen

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How ironic was it that news regarding the economy and gas prices had created nationwide fear during the month of HALLOWEEN?

The media is doing a wonderful job painting a “ghoulish” picture of recent events. Regardless of what you read in the newspaper or watch on television, there are jobs out there. The questions to ask yourself are, “am I marketable enough to find a job/career that is available? or what am I willing to accept?”

If you are resting on your “outdated” skills and have not developed new skills, then you are taking yourself out of the competition for the jobs that do exist.

I recently attended a conference in Washington D.C. sponsored by the Council for Opportunities in Education. One of the sessions I attended was titled, “Preparing Our Students for a Global Economy.” Whether you are a student or not, the information was clear - employers are looking for individuals who possess a
plethora of skills.

Being a career coach, the information was not surprising. Skills that were mentioned as valuable to competing in this global economy included:

• Ability to communicate (written & verbal)
• Being creative
• Working as part of a team
• Multi-tasking
• Openness to new ideas/processes

This is, by no means, the complete list of skills “global” employers are looking for.

Yes, it is unfortunate that many people have lost their jobs; it is a shame that big businesses are folding; and even more, jobs being outsourced overseas.

FEAR NOT!

If you are currently employed, seek any opportunity (on the job or not) that allows you to develop or enhance the skills you already possess; and if you are currently unemployed, look for professional development opportunities at 2-year colleges or local community centers.

The better prepared you are for “ghoulish” news the easier it is to walk into new territory.