Laid Off or Unemployed and Don't Know Where to Turn?

One of the most stressful things that you can go through as an adult is when you are laid off from a job. Especially when the job that you have had for a number of years is all that you know. There are many Americans in that boat so if you are one, you are not alone. With "downsizing" and "job reductions" a common occurrence across the nation, the Federal Government has a solution that you might be interested in looking into if you are willing.

In 1998, the government passed what is called the Workforce Investment Act. An excerpt below from the following Department of Labor web page explains it the best

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 provides the framework for a unique national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet both the needs of the nation's businesses and the needs of job seekers and those who want to further their careers. Title I of the legislation is based on the following elements:

Training and employment programs must be designed and managed at the local level where the needs of businesses and individuals are best understood, next, customers must be able to conveniently access the employment, education, training, and information services they need at a single location in their neighborhoods. Customers should have choices in deciding the training program that best fits their needs and the organizations that will provide that service. They should have control over their own career development. Customers have a right to information about how well training providers succeed in preparing people for jobs. Training providers will provide information on their success rates. Businesses will provide information, leadership, and play an active role in ensuring that the system prepares people for current and future jobs.

What this all means for you is that you can potentially receive all the help needed to be re-trained for a new career subsidized by government tax dollars. This both helps you as a citizen but also helps stimulate the economy in your area by offering businesses trained, competent employees. Click on the link provided by the Employment and Training Administration for a listing of programs offered.

For a listing of One-Stop locations across the country, click on the link provided to find a location near to you. They can assist you from there with any questions that you have.

I know that is it difficult to look at the "bright side" of a situation such as a job loss but this program alone can give you the direction that is needed to both get you a job that you desperately need but also give you a new start on life. It is a wonderful program that I recommend that you look into.