4 Strategies to Keep Skills Current for the Long Term Unemployed

The November jobs report showed that 6.3 million Americans who have been out of work for more than 6 months were classified as the long term unemployed. Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, had no choice but to get really honest with viewers in a 60-Minute interview on the jobless rate. Bernanke repeated the mantra that more and more public figures are using and stated that it will be another four or five years before we see unemployment rates back down to the normal rates of five to six percentage points.

He is right. The November jobs report showed an increase in only 39, 000 new jobs added. Experts are saying It is the worst the post World War 2 employment recession we have seen in the US.

This wasn't a new statement for Bernanke. Ten months ago, in a report to Congress, he pretty much said the same thing, "Despite positive signs, the job market remains quite weak, with unemployment rate near 10 percent and job openings scarce. Of particular concern, because of its long term implications for workers skills and wages, is the increasing incidence of long-term unemployment, more than 40% of the unemployed have been out of work six months or more, nearly double that share 6 months ago."

Well February is almost here again and if things continue as they are, the situation may be worse rather than better.

For anyone who has been out of the job market for a while and worried about keeping job skills current, here are some options to consider:

1. Look for part-time work. There are jobs and some employers are still hiring, seasonal and part-time workers. Using your skills in a part-time position is better than not using them at all.
2. Volunteer your time with non-profits who are looking for help. With the recession, philanthropic giving is down, at the same time the demand for some services offered by non-profits is way up. Find a way to serve and use th skills you have. Don't forget that volunteering is also a great way to network.
3. Take a class. If you have to apply for financial aid to pay for it. Do it. It will be money well spent.
4. Maintain your membership in your professional association. Some organizations even offer reduced membership fees or membership holiday for employees in transition.