When Everyone You Know is Looking for Work

In the past year or so, the economy has been incredibly rugged. Some are calling it the "Great Recession" and while others might not have a name for what is going on--jobs have been cut, businesses have closed and even those who still have jobs have faced serious cuts in hours, pay, benefits, etc. Depending on your industry and your socio-economic status, it might seem like everyone you know is looking for work. If you are among those individuals, it can seem like competition is tough and the jobs are scarce. How can you keep your focus and optimism when it seems as though everyone you know is looking for work?

There are jobs out there. There might not be an abundance of great, well-paying jobs and there may not be an abundance of jobs at all, but there is work to be had. Believe it or not, if several of your friends and acquaintances are looking for work too, it can be an advantage to all of you. Think of yourselves as a collective; a job that might not be a good fit for you might be perfect for a friend of yours. As you are all looking for work, instead of feeling possessive and distrustful, share the information, leads and referrals and you might just find that you all find work faster by helping each other out.

You can also use each other for references, consider doubling up and taking workshops or classes together, or just support each other with encouragement and shared resources. Just by shifting your thinking from scarcity to sharing, you can turn job hunting into a productive group activity. You can even start a "club" and get together to search classifieds, company web sites and other sources of potential jobs.

Encourage each other to get creative and look for ways to trade or save money together. Perhaps you can find someone to be a shopping buddy or you can make a trip together to a farmer's market or bulk food store. This way you can pay less for purchasing more and share in what you by. While you are looking for more traditional work, you might do some consulting or freelancing and use each other for support and expertise. As you start to think of ways that having other friends, family members and acquaintances who are going through the same challenging situation as you, you may find that there is strength in numbers and instead of feeling competitive, you can feel bolstered and supported.