Thursday, January 15, 2009

Flexibility Is Key in this Market

So you've all watched the evening news or all day news these days and know that we are in a recession. Some are calling this the worst time they've seen in thirty years. Let's not even mention the job market. Actually that's exactly what I want to talk about. I've spoken with several job seekers who are out of work but not willing to go the extra mile for a new position. I understand family obligations, long commutes, holding out for the right opportunity...you get my drift...but if you want to keep your skills current and maintain a steady pay, you have to be flexible. Flexibilty means you may have to do the following:

Relocate - Find an area where the standard of living is cheaper and there are multiple options for job opportunities. Even if the latter is not the case why not get more house for your buck in addition to paying less mortgage or rent. For example, if you are paying $1200 in rent, make $15/hr and you can live elsewhere making the same money but pay $800 in rent, doesn't that make sense? Think about it.

Commute longer - This is a tough one with gas prices on the rocks, one day they're down and the next they are off the charts. Most people may not like this solution but it may be the best one to keep food on the table or avoid a credit crisis. You might have to bite the bullet.

Get Trained - Now is the time to stand out from all the other applicants. Make time to get further training in your field of interest. If you don't have the money for paid training search the internet, gather as much information as possible then put it in a binder or folder as your go-to study guide. If you don't have the time, partner up with someone else, saves time and you'll probably learn much more in the process.

Write back and let me know your thoughts or if you are thinking of any of the above and need advice.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello,

This is a great article! I can certainly relate to this article as I am getting additional training to make myself more marketable.
It's funnny you mention relocating, my family and I are thinking about that because the cost of living in NYC is overwhelming. Keep me posted

Sophia-Brooklyn

Monticello Staffing said...

Sophia,

Depending on what you do for a living, consider upstate New York. College towns like Ithaca and Fredonia can offer opportunities in many areas that caters to students such as printing services, cell phone services,video games, etc.