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It’s no secret that the current economic crisis has been most apparent through the ridiculous amounts of job losses in North America, and frankly all over the world. To best illustrate what’s going on out there… in case you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past 6-8 months (btw - I wouldn’t blame you) check this out:
Interview with Nouriel Roubini, Economics Professor at NYU Stern School of Business (On the Economy)
While the housing market, interest rates and the stock market are all good indicators of the overall economic situation, the jobless rate and unemployment claims have hit levels unseen since the Great Depression. While jobs continue to be shed, there is some positive news though - that is why you are reading this and why I’m here. To make you happy, or at least tell you things to make you happy. But really, there is some good news.
Employment numbers for April 2009 indicate that 31% fewer jobs were actually lost then in March 2009.* That means 491K opposed to 643K as expected. Although still grim, in a weird perverse recession of 2009 way that’s good news. That is not to say that we’ve reached the bottom of this mess we’re in, but we’ll take glimmers of hope where we can.
So where do you fit into this? Well hopefully you’re not one of the 491K that lost their job, if you are - just know things will pick up again. Here are some tips on what to do next if you got laid off:
1. Buy lottery tickets. 100% kidding, please don’t sue.
2. Tell everyone you know! As much as it sucks, and your first instinct may be to keep it from family and friends for various reasons - you’re doing yourself a disservice. You’ll be amazed at how quickly people are willing to help you once you tell them, and remember that the next job is only six degrees of kevin bacon away.
3. Update your Linkedin/Facebook/Twitter profiles. Again, it’s sort of a passive aggressive way of letting people know, but we’re trying to get the word out and get your network to respond.
4. Spruce up your resume. Make sure that you’ve got an up-to-date resume that outlines your must current skills and experiences.
5. Consider learning something new. Once the initial shock and emotions subside, perhaps consider this a “reset” on your career. Is there something that you’ve always wanted to learn or do? Take advantage of this situation and see what else is out there. Explore new opportunities or start your own business!
6. This is not the end of the world. Unless you’ve lost your job, contracted a case of leprosy and got shat on by a bird on your way back home - just know, things will pick up! Patience, persistence and some luck will yield results.