6 Ways to Find Work when Job Leads Seem Barren

As we enter the first quarter of 2009, unemployment is at its highest at 7.2 percent, almost as high as January of 1993 (7.3 percent), leaving 11 million workers nationwide out of work. There is still bad news all around, the jobless rate is growing, and there has not been a real financial break through for those who have lost money in real estate, stock, etc. Although the road to recovery seems long and hard, we must remember that we will recover. The United States has experienced weak economies well before this one, and this will not be the last recession we see. Preparation is key. This article is not about preparing for another bad economy, but there are things consumers can do to protect their self and lessen the damage to be done to their lives during a weak economy. A recession is all a part of the economy's business cycle. We will recover, and progress above our imagination.

For those who have been laid off, or fear they will experience it, being laid off is not the end of joy, happiness, or a source of income for them. Even the cashier at the local market or retail store can find great opportunities after being let go. Below are some ideas of what workers can do after a layoff. Sometimes, what we find most devastating to us is the thing that needs to happen in order for a better life to come. Often times we get comfortable in a place that is not a part of our goal or destination, and our lives need to be interrupted and shaken up for us to get back on track.

Explore a New Career

While the healthcare industry seems to be the strongest link here in the survival of the fittest, and for those who would rather pass on the hospital smell or have a hard time dealing with illnesses other than your own, do not fret, healthcare is very broad and goes beyond the hospital. If you are willing to make the career change and experience something new, the opportunities in healthcare right now are endless (some require education and/or formal training). Aside from physical hands-on patient care, there are front office and administrative positions, billing, medical transcribing, and more.

One of the best ways to find a new career is through the Board of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS provides detailed information on the nature of the job, education and skills needed for the career, salary information, and an outlook on the growth forecast. The Board of Labor Statistics best served me during my research as I looked for careers with characteristics of hobbies I used to have as a child and/or my hobbies now, which are pretty much the same.

If you absolutely love your field of work, you might want to look into choosing a new industry. If your field is Human Resources, every industry has the need for human resources such as healthcare, government, aerospace, travel and entertainment, and others. While the specifics of skills may differ from industry to industry, the foundation of human resources is the same; providing employee service and helping the company succeed at meeting their business goals. It also would help to do a little research about the industry when searching for an HR position in recruitment or staffing.

Use Skills Assessments to Find Your Dream Career

One thing you will hear from anyone providing tips on how to find that perfect career for you - it does exist - is to tap into your inner child. Most likely, your favorite past times as a child, especially when you had to play alone, will bring you great joy and success as a career. Taking skills assessment tests that most job sites like Monster and CareerBuilder offer, will give you insight to your inner talents and take you back to memory lane as the test reveals that you would be a great writer or editor, or a fashion designer, or artist. I guarantee you one of the "best" careers listed from the assessment will be something you loved to do as a child.

Listen, a little sidebar: You were born with a destiny, while we as human beings make plans for our lives and take things day-by-day, year-by-year, God has already predestined your walk, yes, even your career. So do not think for a second that your child hood passions were merely child's play. You do not change from 'who you are' just because you have become an adult, you have simply grown up. Those passions are still inside of you, and I am 110 percent sure that if you take a minute to breathe and shut out all the bad news being reported, even spending just a day to yourself. Think about who you are and what you are doing when you find yourself having the most peace, and you will find that the person you were inside as a child, and the person you are today when you are most at peace are one in the same. It is the same for your career. There is no better time than now to make your dreams come true.

Utilize the Talent of a Hobby

Many people affected by the lay-offs, are finding unconventional ways of making ends meet during these rough times. Turning to your hobby could bring in some extra cash; there are always things that others find tedious that you love doing, and even during these times, they are willing to pay for it.

Go Solo - Entrepreneurs Are the Hottest

Odds are, if you are working in a 'profession' that you love and enjoy doing, and know how to do it good, there is a great possibility that you would do great for yourself as an entrepreneur. Small business ownership is the fastest growing sector as small businesses and entrepreneurs find opportunities in small niches that larger companies over look or, for lack of cost-efficiency, do not take on. Moreover, after the economic crisis, companies are seeking ways to cut the spending of services that can be outsourced. In addition, becoming a small business owner or independent contractor provides individuals greater opportunities for work-life-balance such as flexible hours, working from home, getting involved with your child's school without worrying about your company that is not so family-friendly, frown upon it, and not to mention, knowing that your work is being valued.

Yes, being a small or home business owner is hard work. It takes discipline, dedication and a passion to do what you are doing, and you will wear many, many hats. But the benefits of freedom, ownership and not to mention, a few profits, and success is far worth it.

Training through Unemployment

Unfortunately, 11 million of our workers are out of work, and receiving unemployment. If you do decide that a new career is a needed fresh start, you can request information on training from the Employment Development Department (EDD).

You must notify EDD before your 26^th week of unemployment that you want to inquire about training.

You may not be required to look for work while training if you are training in a occupation of high demand

If you are interested in more support than your weekly unemployment benefit, request a caseworker at your local EDD agency. Not only will they guide you in communicating your training needs to EDD, but they can assist in creating or updating your resume, effective job searching. Some agencies have onsite computer labs that offer free computer training an access to online job searching.

Gain Educational Training at a Vocational or Technical College

Of course, any one of the above options chosen may require specific skills or education; especially if you are going into a new career, or if you are like me, and have been blessed with jobs that would normally require a higher degree that you lack and are now out of work. Employers can now be more selective in choosing the right candidate for open positions because jobs are no longer a dime a dozen. Even temporary agencies are hard pressed to find work for employees. A search for any temporary assignment in Los Angeles, Orange County and Riverside, through one of the most prominent temporary agencies, returned 22 jobs with only one job posted for the Riverside area. As always, Los Angeles had the most jobs available at 15.

While consumers are budget conscious, and are checking and rechecking their needs versus wants, education should not be sacrificed. Even when the economy heals, the demand for skill and educated workers will be higher and with more requirements.

Source: Yahoo News, Associated Press / Intuit Report-Small Business of the Future / Employment Development Department