You Never Know

You never know where your next job is going to come from. You can't know. That's why you send out resumes and applications to so many different jobs. And, many of those jobs will seem to be a perfect fit - at least in your mind.

But, as you get discouraged in never hearing back from anyone - and I know that feeling all too well, remember there is that one job that is waiting for you. Yes, I know I sound a bit 'new age' and metaphysical, but there really is one job out there with your name on it. All you have to do is find it.

Finding your new job - the right job that leads to your new life - is probably not going to happen right away. It will take work. You must be diligent and you must do it everyday. Do not wait for the economy to get better. Do not wait until the summer, or winter, or next year. Do not wait for anything because you don't know where that job is or who is going to be creating that job. Your duty is to find it and you find your new job and life by searching.

How do you search? Where do you search? I know I swore that this blog is not about how to find a job, but I am going to tell you to do two things.

First, review and re-write your resume. Eliminate some achievements. Get it down to one page. If awards and educational achievements go to the second page, okay. But, keep your work history and achievements to the first page. Only list a few outstanding achievements for each job or position. I know it will take some serious editing, but you must do it.

Second, everyone uses Monster. If you are serious about your job search, look at your local Craigslist, snagajob.com, join Linked In and look at their jobs, or even Career Builder. Search industry sites. Think about this for a minute: when a job is posted on Monster, there could easily be 100's or even 1,000's of replies to that job. How will you stand out of such a crowd? However, there might only be 100 responding to a Craigslist or snagajob ad - much better odds. And, yes, it might be an interim job while you are looking for your new life, but it will be a job.

So, review and edit your resume and look in different places for your new life. Don't wait - start today. You won't find it if you don't seriously look.

GM and Other Follies

It's been eleven days since my last entry, and I apologize. So much has been going on in the world that is leading to more unemployment; leading to even more people who need to be encouraged. I admit to be taken in by the news.

Just today on the internet: GM is going to lay off thousands more in a bid to survive. Take a look at: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/04/27/ap6344772.html

The steps GM is taking is going to effect people at all levels from the factory worker to high level executives to dealership employees including sales people, secretaries, finance people, mechanics and on and on. A lot of people are going to suddenly be unemployed. And, the truth is some of them will be unemployed for a year, or longer. Plus, what is not mentioned is that those who retired from GM are going to be affected, as well. What can they do? As I have said in my previous entries:

1. Understand it will be for a longer period of time;
2. You might have to move to get a job;
3. Cultivate a garden - Spring is here and you have almost eight months to grow vegetables - don't laugh or sigh, I find many sources are know talking about growing your ownd vegetables because they lower your grocery bills;
4. Examine every expenditure in light of possible unemployment - sve every quarter you can. Yes, savings measured in quarters turn into dollars.
5. And, know you can come through it all with confidence.

There is so much to do if you are preparing, or know you are about to lose your job. Start looking for your next job right now! More on the in my next entry.

Bouncing Back

I am always looking for stories about people who are not only bouncing back from losing a job, but are doing well. What it comes down to is looking at your knowledge, skills, experience, abilities, and interests and then finding a new way to apply them for work.

Take a look at:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2009/04/02/some-hope-for-retail-execs/?ncid=AOLCOMMjobsDYNLprim0001&icid=main|main|dl4|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fjobs.aol.com%2Farticles%2F2009%2F04%2F02%2Fsome-hope-for-retail-execs%2F%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMjobsDYNLprim0001

There is hope!

The Economy and Employment

Almost everyday I hear one economist or another saying the economy is getting better. Of course, I don't think they live in the same world I do when I see that over 700,000 people lost their jobs last month which represents an increase of about 75,000 over February. And, I am reading where thousands of more people are losing their jobs this month.

Let me give you another does of reality: It does not matter if the economy is getting better if you are out of a job. The economy will improve - there is no doubt about that. Are we at the bottom? I don't know.

But, I do know that even if the economy does improve, employment is the LAST to feel it. Factory orders will improve. Retail sales will improve. All of the indicators will improve - politicians and business leaders will be trumpeting the good news from the roof tops. However, hiring will lag far behind the improving economy because companies will work people over time before they begin hiring. Why? They don't want to hire until they see the recovery is real.

So, just because you hear the economy is doing better, do not expect hiring to expand immediately. It's going to take a long time to put seven million people back to work.

Show A Little Kindness - Off Topic

I am going to go a bit off topic in this post, please forgive me.

I was in the grocery store today and the person in front of me in line was on their cell phone during the entire transaction with the cashier. There was no greeting - in fact, the cashier - the person - was totally ignored. I find that, at the very least, incredibly rude.

Yes, I know cell phones give us near instant and constant contact with others, but it does not have to mean you need to answer every call no matter when it comes in. I see people nearly everyday be far more involved in their conversations on a cell phone than with the person in front of them such as this cashier. What does this communicate to the cashier? At the very least it tells them they are not important and could communicate they have no value.

Isn't there something wrong with this picture?

A cell phone, to me, is a tool for communication with others, but it does not give one permission to ignore others. There has to be some degree of cell pone etiquette. People have to be valued when they are assisting us.

I will get back on topic, now.

Economic Pundits and Milk

The economic pundits are telling us each month that things have bottomed out; things are getting better; or, things are going to get worse. Take your pick. Experts, and I might be using the term loosely, don't seem to understand where the economy is going. I have decided what the problem is - they have jobs.

The economic pundits, experts and talking heads all seem to be tenured professors or work for a think tank in Washington, DC. These folks can never seem to agree on what the most appropriate economic indicator is to follow. While some of them give one or another indicator to watch, the best answer I have ever heard is that our economy is too complex to just watch one measurement.

Another thing I have noticed is that all of these economists are surrounded by books - lots of books. Please, don't get me wrong - books are good. In fact, I have written one recently. But, I think I would trust an economist more if they were able to tell me the price of milk, or eggs, or a pound of ground beef. Then I would know they live where I do.

I am not an economist or pundit, but I think the economy is not going to turn around until late this year or early 2010 - and it's going to take a few years to get it back to 'normal.' Why do I think that? Since January 1st we have lost nearly 2,000,000 million jobs according to government statistics. The reality is probably closer to 2,750,000 jobs. We need to get people back to work before we can even begin to think that the economy is getting better.

While I care about the stock market, I care about my grocery market more. I care about what is on my shelves at home and in my refrigerator. When it gets easier to buy groceries I know we will be on the way.

I would even like it more if one of the pundits could tell me the price of milk.

Coming Soon

I am nearing completion of a new book: Courage One Day At A time - Your Guide to Surviving Unemployment. There are just another two days of editing and working through some formatting issues. Once they are done, the book will be ready for publication.

In Courage One Day At A Time, I have explained the activities and strategies that have kept me sane during a time of unemployment. I know it's a difficult and frustrating time. It's a time during which it is easy to lose your confidence, courage and hope. My goal is to assist you in restoring them because when you do, you will be ready for your new life - to go out and find it.

As soon as the book is available, I will announce it here.

Perspective - Keep It

You know, things may not be going well for you, or for the economy. It's easy to become self-focused. But, take a look at what is going on in Australia and ow people are coping.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-australia-pg,0,5464109.photogallery?index=1

You will get a job before their land comes back!

Job Events

Career Fairs and job events have become increasingly popular as places to find jobs. A recent event in Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California only highlights this popularity. 4,000 people showed up according to the Los Angeles Times. There was no mention of how many people were hired or how many positions were available.

Check it out at: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/job-fair.html

4,000 people. Yes, some got jobs and you do have to pursue very opportunity. And, job events might be part of your strategy for getting a job. However, always, always work your network of friends and supporters because that is where you are most likely going to find your new job.

I learned of a small business person yesterday who does not advertise when they have an open position. Why not? He will get 40 applications in 24 hours for one $10.00 per hour job. He does not want to have to say no to 39 people. What does he do? He lets his curent staff know about the opening and fills it from their friends and people they know. Networking will work - just keep them informed about what you are doing - just never let them see you get disappointed. When communicating with your network stay positive and upbeat.

Budget Is Not A Dirty Word!

I know budgeting your money can be a real pain - it's no fun and it's a sure dose of reality. But, you need to do it.

Why? Because if you are not employed, or close to being unemployed, you need to know where your money is going, first. And, second, you need to discipline yourself to live within the money you have. Since you don't have the same amount of money coming in that you had when you were employed - you don't have a pay check coming in - you need to determine what your current expenses are and then determine what you need to reduce.

I know I have written before about budgeting - but even if you are employed, you need to do it because you never know when you will be without a job.

Start with a clean sheet of paper. Divide it into four columns. In the first column list all of your bills from mortgage to insurance to food to EVERYTHING. Include it all. Go through your bill to insure you don't miss anything. Look at your bank statements to catch those atm withrawals and debit card payments.

In the second column - put in what your monthly obligation is to every debt. Even though you like paying more than the minimum amount, put in the minimum amount you can pay. Include food, dry cleaning, medication is you have any and on and on.

In the third column put in what you need to reduce the amount by in order to survive. Remember, we are talking about survival, here. If you need to, contact your credit card companies to determine what you can work out with them. Most of them will work with you, just make sure you call them - don't wait for the companies to start calling you. Just about all of them have a wide range of options to help you, and to make sure they get their money.

In the fourth column put down the new amount you are budgeting for the bill, obligation of item. Add it to see if you have reduced enough so you can cover your expenses for the next six months. If you still can't make it, go back and do it again. Look at food and insurance. When it come sto fod, start buying the store brands and use coupons when it makes sense. If you are comfortable with it, increase your deductible on insurance. By increasing your deductible, you will lower your rate.

Look at how much you put in for entertainment. Soemthing has to be there - you really will need the diversion. But, you don't need $100 per week - you can get out and have fun on $20 per week.

Keep at it until you get to a number in the fourth column that you can meet each month. It's not easy, and it's a reality check. Remember, you are in a new reality - you no longer have a job.

Budget worksheets are available for free on the internet, if you don't know where to get started. Google 'free budget sheets' and you will find several to look at. Find one you like and start using it.

Scams - Part Three

About 10 days ago I warned you about potential scams - including the companies that offer loan modifications to you. What they promise is that they will be able to reduce your payments to you mortgage holder. Do not believe them. All they seem to twant is your money up front - before they do anything. Don't give it to them.

This is so important, I will repeat it - Don't give them your money. You can do your own loan modification. Contact your mortgage holder and just follow their instructions. Your mortgage holder does not want to have your house on their hands - they will work with you.

Click on the link to find out more and how the government is working to protect you:

http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/987802.html

Store Closings Since January 1st - Your Opportunity

There have been a lot of retail closings since January 1st. It seems as though every time I turn around, another store is closing. And, a store closing represents people losing jobs from hourly retail clerks to managers. Thousands from the retail sector are now out of work. Almost 3,000 store closings have been announced since the first of the year - and those are just counting the major names.

But, there is an upside. The deals you can get for everything from clothing to electronics are great. Yes, some deals are better than others, but when stroes are advertising 50 to 75% off because they are closing, take advantage of the sales - especially for clothing.

If you purchase any electronics, make sure you determine who is goind to be donig the guarantee work - Who is backing the item and is their method to back it easy for you. Do you have to take the TV to a location, or do they come to you to repair the issue.

If you do decide to take advantage of the sales, check your budget. Can you afford the expenditure? Pay cash or by debit card - don't let credit cards increase while you are out of work or it will come back to really hurt you.

So, while there have been almost 3,000 store closings announced since January 1st, there is an upside if you are hunting bargains. Children don't stop growing just because you are out of work, they require new clothing when they grow a cuple of inches.

Also, while you are looking at the 'going-out-of-business' sales, dont forget to look at warehouse sales. I was driving down the street the other day and noticed a name brand clothing company having a warehouse sale. Look for these warehouses in your area. You can find them on the internet, phone book, or just call the manufacturer to get the informatoin.

Look for the sales. Check your budget and buy repsonsibly!

Going, Going... Gone

Food Auctions. What an idea! They are springing up all over the country and can save you money on your grocery bill.

What is a food auction? It's when distributors and manufacturers sell out of date food, or dented cans, or any other condition that might render it in a condition not suitable for grocery store shelves. If you are going to consume the food soon, or it's paper products, cleaning products, or something that does not spoil, you might want to try and buy it at an auction.

Be careful, though. Don't pay more than you want to pay on a per unit basis. Know what the items sell for in the store and limit yourself to paying no more that 50% of retail - and aim for less. In order to do that, you will need to know how many items come in the unit size - in the box and decide your top price by dividing the amount you will pay by the number of items you receive. It does sound complicated, but is really pretty simple.

If there are 12 items in a unit and you pay $6.00, it's 6 divided by 12, for a price of 50 cents per unit. Again, if there are 15 items in the unit and you pay $2.75 for the unit, it's 2.75 divided by 15 for a price of just over 18 cents per item. The formula is price divided by number of items.

If you have formed a Village, this would be an opportunity to share within the Village, or with others who are having a difficult time.

Find the food auctions in your area and use them. If nothing else, visit one to see what they might have and how the process works. They may not have everything you need, but the food auction can help keep costs down.

And, be careful - you might not want to bid on the extra hot sauce.

Read this article and then do a search for auctions in your area:
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ihmEpbBCzbLRlWCJMoUPlC9BwqowD974KCGG2

Honda Acts Responsibly

During the last couple of months we have been treated to The Car Show. It's the on-gong drama coming from the top management at The Big Three who first traveled in private jets to go to Washington to traveling in hybrid vehicles to asking for money again and again. And, what we have seen is people acting irresponsibly over and over.

Rick Wagoner, who agreed to work for $1.00 per year, was forced out of GM . Of course, he is leaving with a nice retirement package that some value as high at $23 million. So, he's not driving off to the poor house in an old Chevy. Wagoner is being replaced by Fritz Henderson, who will not work for $1.00 a year.

Yes, the $1.00 is really symbolic. But, compare it to what Honda is doing. (This is where the blog title comes from, by the way.)

Honda is stopping production at North American factories for 13 days to reduce inventory. That was Step One. Step Two is they are reducing salaries for what seems to be all management positions with the President of Honda North America taking the biggest hit. Honda is also offering buy-outs to employees.

Who isn't being effected by reduced wages? The frontline factory workers. The people least able, and who actually build the cars, are not being effected - except for the 13 days of plant closing.

Nobody had to tell Honda to do this - they just took action. They are acting responsibly and fairly. What a change! Don't they know they are in the car business? Don't they understand that there are entitlements for management? I guess not. They are doing what they need to do to stay competitive.

Hooray for Honda.

I am sure I will have more on this topic later.

March Unemployment

Wow. I just saw the figures and I am amazed. 742,000 more jobs lost in March. 742,000 people is larger than most American cities. I am still trying to process that number.

Just think about it. 742,000 people, with an average family size of 3 people represents over 2.2 million people directly effected. A lot of people are feeling the pain of being unemployed. And, that does not count the number of those who were contract employees who are no longer working. and who may not be applying for unemployment. The real number of Americans becoming unemployed could easily be closer to 850,000 - for the month of March alone.

I have heard government spokespeople say things were going to get worse, but I don't think anyone had these kinds of numbers in mind.