Job Loss Can Open Employment Doors

Job loss under any circumstances is devastating, but attitude makes a huge difference. Your mental state can limit options or it can open doors. A positive attitude will help you to think outside the box when considering job possibilities. Sometimes people can find or even make employment opportunities simply by being open-minded!

The first step to escape the employment doldrums is to take stock of your strengths, interests, and resources. Consider your education, your hobbies, your previous job experiences and your volunteer positions. Think about people you know, connections you have, and your community. Each of these things just might be the key to finding a new job. Let's take a closer look.

You have a unique mix of talents and assets. Employers are looking for people who can meet their needs. When you can't find a new job like your old one, go back to the drawing board. What else can you do? Your education, licenses, and certifications as well as classes or trainings may open doors for you. For example, a teacher might find work with a large company doing staff training. A person with clerical skills can work in an office, but might also find work at a campground, library, school or church.

Keep an open mind about business size, too. Our country's economy is increasingly making a shift to smaller business models as large companies outsource overseas. Entrepreneurs nationwide are creating small start-up ventures. These employers won't be found in large industrial complexes, but rather in out of the way facilities or maybe even basements or garages. You might not find them listed in the phone book, but rather on the internet. Two other resources are community Chambers of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.

Can you parlay one of your skills or talents into a freelance or consulting business of your own? If you can provide a service, consider this option. Don't forget to research to be sure you're following local, state and federal laws, including zoning and tax regulations.

There are many areas you might consider for your focus. A teacher can tutor, provide consultation for meeting special needs, develop curriculum, or lead workshops or continuing education classes. Do you enjoy planning parties? Many busy parents are willing to pay for such services. Many skills and life experiences can turn into businesses if you wish.

Relationships are another avenue that might lead to employment. Sometimes it truly is more about who you know than what you know, and being in the right place at the right time can make a huge difference. Let it be known amongst your friends that you are searching for a new job. Network in your social circle, your church, teams, clubs, and neighborhood. The more people who know you are looking for a job, the greater the chance that someone will speak up when they hear of a possibility for you. Friends may even watch job postings at their own companies or let you know if they see "help wanted" signs.

Volunteer work can also become a door to employment. If you are off of work anyway, consider taking on a volunteer job that will still allow you time to hunt for a job. A volunteer position can strengthen your resume, help you gain new skills to make yourself more employable, and perhaps nurture new employment opportunities. Most volunteer organizations also have paid staff, and if you are a known worker, you could have an advantage over applicants who are not already known to the management.

All is not lost if you lose your job. It's not even hopeless when your company moves out of the area. You have resources at your disposal. You just need to take advantage of them.