Tuesday, May 6, 2008

I’ve Stared Into the Abyss…and Seen a Lot of My Friends

If you’re not worried, you’re not paying attention.

Bad times are here, folks. Those people who make the numbers 4 and 5 are busy printing them up as fast as they can for gas stations. As in: $4.00 a gallon. $5 a gallon.

The front page of AJR (American Journalism Review) reads:"Maybe It Is Time to Panic."

And here's a press release from JobFox: "While the value of the dollar is shrinking, many job seekers - including in-demand technology specialists - must accept new positions at lower salaries than they did just a month ago."

OK, you don't have to beat me over the head with it. I get it. It's bad and it's time to take action and not just sit around and wring my hands.

So, in the last two weeks, I have:

*Networked with dozens of new people and established contact with them online and via phone.
* Done detailed research about where new opportunities are being predicted and how I can move into those areas.
* Checked in with all my bosses and clients to make sure they still find my product of value.
* Began adding "extras" to my work -- and letting my bosses and clients know about it.
* Checked into new technology and researched where it can help me do my job better. I'm ready to make an investment in voice recognition because my bad elbow is seriously hampering my productivity.

So, what are you doing about your current career situation? Are you hunkered down and praying the next business or economic downturn will pass you by?

I want to know: What are you doing to UP YOUR GAME?


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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anita -
Yes, as gas prices in the $3 range don't even seem expensive anymore (YIKES!), and the news starts talking about how much food is going to start costing, it would be crazy to ignore the writing on the wall.

Interesting that networking is the first item on your list...It's so crucial. I've done the same, even spending more time on FaceBook and Twitter, which are newer networking avenues for me.

I've been making sure to keep up with my blogging and reaching out to job hunters who need some extra help in these tough times.

I'm thinking that "panic" probably isn't very productive. I've been writing about the advantages of being an optimistic and positive job seeker, so I try to keep as positive as possible without being mistaken for Polliana.

Miriam Salpeter
Keppie Careers

Anita said...

I hear time and again from very successful people that if you just give of yourself and your talents, it will come back to you many times over. In other words, the positive image and energy you put forth will be returned. Let's hope they're right, because that's the only way I can get through my days.

Anita said...

Note: I accidentally deleted this comment from Erika, so I am posting under my name. Please forgive the mistake, Erika!

Erika says:
In reference to your last point, I think having a positive attitude in general is going to help you stand out. It's undeniable that times are getting a bit tough and that pretty soon CEO's will be eating Ramen and college students will have to start hunting for their food. Having a good attitude about work and life, however, will put you head and shoulders above others. Bosses are more likely to promote the people they enjoy working with, after all.

Anita said...

I agree. At the same time, it's very difficult to keep a positive outlook when the world is falling out from under you, but that's why it's important to have that support network in place: friends, family and colleagues. Hiring managers and bosses will avoid people who look and sound desperate...so it is critical to keep that positive aura around you.