What Works

With long-term unemployment becoming an excruciating pervasive reality, the challenge for many of us – besides surviving, is elbowing our way back into the workforce. And since as Don Peck pointed out on a recent PBS News Hour, being unemployed for an extended period is comparable to losing one’s spouse, one doesn’t want to dawdle in this state.

But has it ever been so hard to break in?

How many of us can readily endure getting an interview every seventy or eighty resumes? And even assuming one is somehow able to make end’s almost meet, the scourge of joblessness carries numerous stressors. Foremost, I’d rank alienation, self-pity, and discouragement, all offshoots of that ominous and recurring sense that while life is indeed moving on (for most), for those of us without gainful employment, it seems stuck. Regressing into self-destructive thoughts and behaviors can hover, too - as Dylan put it, “like a sucker around my skull.” To restate the obvious, one wants to find work, or something meaningful, with all deliberate speed. But how?

Generally, we’ve been conditioned to seek out the full-time job as an anecdote to being full-time unemployed. Who isn’t hoping for that? And that’s the problem. Since everyone’s seeking a few elusive slots, the competition is brutal. Even long-standing niceties like having an employers acknowledge one’s resume or interview is waning. In short, it’s often a tough slog. CNN’s financial guru Clark Howard even offered some blunt advice recently: Forget sending resumes. Most jobs are already designated from within. Find the people who are hiring yourself and cultivate relationships there.

Still, there’s another approach. In addition to pursuing that full-time job, one might consider volunteering. We’ve all heard this is a valuable endeavor. And if one can afford to, why not? Find a site whose mission reflects one’s own values and interests – and treat it as if it were an actual job. (This can be especially helpful if one has encountered numerous job difficulties and needs some real success.) Yet because one is a volunteer, fewer demands (and hours) go along with it. Such efforts also helps one forget one’s own situation, at least temporarily, while contributing to the common good. It can also generate critical contacts and future references - both vital today.

Yet for many of us, just showing up and helping out “till the cows come home” doesn’t really cut it. We need a paying job. But still don’t give up on volunteering. Instead, broach the subject of job possibilities with the director or coordinator of a particular site.

If a director states that subsequent work, even part-time, is indeed possible, do everything you can to be the best volunteer you can be. Cultivate the contact. And while many nonprofits are financially strapped, something could still develop? Volunteering gets one engaged, out of the house and learning new skills. (Also, when choosing a place,ask: Will I leave with expanded skills?) That’s why I mentioned “savvy” in the title.As a volunteer, think of what you need, too.

Another way in is through writing. Nonprofits are often desperate for grant writers – or grant assistants. While the prospect of chasing a big grant right off would be daunting for anyone, start small. Be up front with the volunteer coordinator; let him or her know what you’re be comfortable with. Say you’re inexperienced with grants but a decent writer. Try Googling grant writing or letter of inquiry. You’ll soon have plenty of guides and you’ll be on your way. A win-win in the offing!

Finally, for folks fifty-five and over (like myself) and low-income (ditto), the government established SCSEP, the Senior Community Service Employment Program. Eligible seniors are matched with sister nonprofits and receives minimum wage while learning new skills. Any subsequent employer also gets a cash allowance for hiring this person.

If you’re fifty-five and struggling to break in, see if there’s a SCSEP site nearby. My wife is thrilled after just attending a one hour orientation! And I’m thrilled, too.

Yes, the Great Recession has dumped a barrel of lemons on us. Yet rather than bemoaning our fate, maybe it’s time to get off the proverbial dime. Get involved. But don’t overextend. Start out small. Dust off your considerable skill set – and perhaps add to it. Besides, as contemporary society increasingly comes to resemble the old fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare,” position yourself. As the hares tire, us savvy tortoises will have the skills and values to make a real difference.

How do you evaluate a new opportunity that comes your way? Is there a way to quickly tell an opportunity from a sinking energy pit or a scam? We all make mistakes and there’s no assurance that a good idea will turn into success. But careful consideration of new opportunities and partnerships can save you from a lot of heartache.
Ask yourself, “Will this opportunity get a monkey off my back?” Even when they aren’t exciting opportunities that lower your overhead, increase your cash flow and remove chronic problems should always be considered. Concentrate on cutting the expenses in the big cash devouring segments of your life or business. A new job or project that pays well ought to be scrutinized no matter how boring.
Where is the evidence? Gut feeling may be the staple in an entrepreneur’s diet but it is not enough to keep anyone well fed. Before you start a new job or open a new enterprise you must do your homework. What’s the cost of living in the new town with the job offer? Who is the target market for the new business venture? Who are your competitors? (If you are a job candidate or entrepreneur who feels you have “no competition”—you are wrong.)
What is the cost and risk involved? And what is waiting at the end of the rainbow—the pay off? The best way to assess costs, risks and potential results is to ask yourself a series of questions. It can be extremely helpful to use a coach, mentor or friend to aid you in this process. This second person helps to keep you honest and grounded in your answers. Here are a few questions to get you started (this list is not exhaustive):
1. How much cash do I need up front to do this?
2. What is the daily, weekly, monthly investment of my time?
3. Is this going to interfere with my family time, day job or other business?
4. Who is making the offer? (see below)
5. How long before I see a return on my investment?
6. What do I have to give up in order to pursue this opportunity?
Finally, always consider the source. As the Disney song says: “Never smile at a crocodile…don’t be taken in by his welcome grin. He’s imagining how well you’d fit within his skin.” The two biggest crocodiles in business are the unethical and the incompetent. Steer clear of projects and work with those you know to have a reputation for shoddy, sloppy or sleazy business practices. It’s highly unlikely they have magically developed a conscience or exemplary skills five minutes before approaching you. Also be wary of instant gurus and people who are just clueless. Case in point: I know a “marketing expert” who was begging others for help with simple marketing just a few short months ago. There’s a difference between expertise and audacity—both useful in business—but you need to be able to tell them apart.

This is an excerpt from the Huffington Post. Click on link to read entire article, and please share widely!

“Last week, over a pre-Christmas dinner, the two of us, along with political strategist Alexis McGill, filmmaker/author Eugene Jarecki, and Nick Penniman of the HuffPost Investigative Fund, began talking about the huge, growing chasm between the fortunes of Wall Street banks and Main Street banks, and started discussing what concrete steps individuals could take to help create a better financial system. Before long, the conversation turned practical, and with some help from friends in the world of bank analysis, a video and website were produced devoted to a simple idea: Move Your Money. …

The idea is simple: If enough people who have money in one of the big four banks move it into smaller, more local, more traditional community banks, then collectively we, the people, will have taken a big step toward re-rigging the financial system so it becomes again the productive, stable engine for growth it’s meant to be. It’s neither Left nor Right — it’s populism at its best. Consider it a withdrawal tax on the big banks for the negative service they provide by consistently ignoring the public interest. It’s time for Americans to move their money out of these reckless behemoths. And you don’t have to worry, there is zero risk: deposit insurance is just as good at small banks — and unlike the big banks they don’t provide the toxic dividend of derivatives trading in a heads-they-win, tails-we-lose fashion.

Think of the message it will send to Wall Street — and to the White House. That we have had enough of the high-flying, no-limits-casino banking culture that continues to dominate Wall Street and Capitol Hill. That we won’t wait on Washington to act, because we know that Washington has, in fact, been a part of the problem from the start. We simply can’t count on Congress to fix things. We have to do it ourselves — and the big banks are the core of the problem. We need to return to the stable, reliable, people-oriented approach of America’s community banks.

So watch Eugene’s amazing video, then go to www.moveyourmoney.info to learn more about how easy it is to move your money. And pass the idea on to your friends (help make this video — and this idea — go viral!). …”

This is an excerpt from an article on Alternet. Click on link to read entire piece.

“Tired of getting pushed around by faceless big business? Here are 10 ways to push back!

The New Year is nearly here, and so much has happened. Wait, what’s that? Nothing major at all has happened, you say? Oh right, we’ve been stuck in neutral since dumping the toxic trash of the Republican Bush administration and embracing Democratic promises of hope and change, neither of which have blossomed.

A year of our collective life has flown by and our global culture is still rife with schemers, screw jobs and sorry excuses for solutions. And we just sit back and take it, year after year. But no more. When you make that hefty list of New Year’s resolutions, drop some of these bombs. Then duck. You’ll get your change faster than you can say, “Teabag this!” …”

http://www.alternet.org/workplace/144679/10_ways_to_screw_over_the_corporate_jackals_who%27ve_been_screwing_you/?page=entire

Ok, it’s time to get down to brass tacks (always wanted to use that saying). While researching and reading many other blogs, articles and forums on entrepreneurship, career and life changes I ran across this comment: “How do I change my life when I don’t have the money to do so?”
I decided to come up with a list of free things anyone can do to begin changing life for the better. This list is not all inclusive and I encourage people to comment with their own suggestions.

• Find your local library—Reading encourages personal and professional development, and for some of us it’s also fun and enjoyable. Public libraries may be cutting hours due to budgetary concerns but they still offer a collection of books and CDs most of us could not afford to own. If you are unemployed regular visits to the library can keep you from becoming isolated. The library often has free or low cost rooms you can rent for meetings and it’s frequently the place for lots of interesting group meetings and cultural events.

• Start a (free) exercise program—Exercise benefits the body, mind and (in my opinion) the soul. Start with walking. It’ free and almost anyone can do it. Consider good old fashioned calisthenics, yoga or stretching. These things require no special equipment and will make you look and feel better. Of course if you have health concerns check with your health care provider first.

• Seek something bigger outside yourself—Go back to church, synagogue, temple, your community activist group or volunteer program. One of the things that makes your life better is finding a focus on something besides YOU. Finding a place or group that means something to you will be fulfilling and connect you with others who share your values.

• Become a “white tornado”—Just in case you aren’t old enough to remember…the white tornado was the symbol of household cleaning in the 1970’s. Cleaning and organizing are absolutely free. A cleaner environment can aid you in many ways; you avoid buying extra stuff to replace things you’ve “lost” in the back of closets, it’s easier to find your resume, business plan or that killer proposal for your boss and organizing is the first essential step to budgeting and planning.