Finding an Alternative Solution to Unemployment: Part 2

The nightly "gloom and doom" reports about the status of the economy and job market continue. There are repeated messages being thrown at us that life is tough, the economy is going to force all into bread lines, the job market is nearly non-existent and no one will be able to find a job. News stations across the country are reporting stories of people murdering their entire family because of feelings of despondency over their unemployment or portfolio statuses.

Though the U.S. Department of Labor recently reported that unemployment rates are at 8.5 percent for March 2009, and the state of our economy certainly seems a bit tentative at the present, it does not serve anyone, individually or collectively, to sink into a pit of despair. These are the times when determination and resourcefulness will be the ways to see the jobseeker through to better times.

In "Finding an Alternative Solution to Unemployment" I suggested that these are the times where people can find ways to reinvent themselves, and bring in some extra money by getting involved in a direct-selling business. By doing so, it is also a strategy to alleviate gaps in the work history section of a resume, as well as to bring in some sort of income.

Another way to help make ends meet is to find several short-term jobs or "gigs" to work a few hours a day or to earn some immediate cash. One of the most popular online sites today for these types of jobs is Craigslist. What you don't find in the Jobs section of the site, you might find in the Gigs section.

These gigs might be for your help cleaning up debris from a backyard, being a clown at a kid's birthday party, passing out samples at a sports game, cashiering at a flea market, or many other types of one-day jobs. There are also postings looking for computer techies, musicians, construction workers, and a variety of others.

Craigslist also has a place where you can post your resume. If you have other skills to offer, rather than simply posting your professional resume, consider placing several other ads to offer yourself as a clown, housekeeper, resume writer, etc.

When you resolve to finding opportunities amidst the challenges, you will put yourself into more and more situations that will give you a chance to network with others. Not only will you be able to use these short-term jobs and gigs to make some money, you will be developing relationships to other people, continuing to add to your network.

Keeping in contact with these new people in your network and letting them know of your professional skills is crucial, especially now. It is important, too, to maintain a positive outlook. This will benefit you because these are the people who will remember your can-do attitude. Once the job market turns around, these contacts will be more apt to recommend you to others they know looking to fill the open professional positions coming available.

Sources
U.S. Dept. of Labor
Craigslist