With presidential candidates campaigning in full force, unemployment rates have been a key focus for both the candidates and Americans. Although the labor market reports that unemployment is down from 9.5 percent to 4.7 percent, many people are still struggling to survive working part-time jobs with minimal pay. While job mobility is trending upward, the lowered rate of unemployment can be deceiving and disappointing for people immersed in the job search.
The journey back to work and the promise of new jobs have left many job seekers facing financial struggles during the job search even though unemployment rates continue to decrease. Their savings continue to dwindle as they settle back into full-time or part-time positions that offer employment yet lowered wages. The search can take months or even years, leaving many job seekers faced with foreclosure notices and flailing emotions.
Leticia Vives knows the struggle first hand. A victim of downsizing from her corporate job in 2009, the former teller supervisor was out of work for 19 months, reports The Bulletin. Now employed in Connecticut, although Vives began a new position, she was plagued with the challenge of catching up on her bills and a home that was nearly foreclosed on when she and her husband struggled to get by on his disability check alone.
Many job seekers are also stuck in employment situations that have them scraping by, even though they are statistically considered employed, thus lowering the unemployment rates. Individuals working part time while still seeking full-time work contribute to the labor market's stall, which accounts for approximately 6 million people, down from 9 million in June 2009.
Unemployment rates are often discouraging for job seekers when they are actively submitting applications, building their brand and networking to find full-time employment. Avoid dropping into this funk by keeping active during the search. Use this opportunity to increase your opportunities, hone your skills, and attend professional seminars and workshops to network with professionals in your field. Opt to volunteer in the community to make an impact and meet like-minded individuals who may offer job leads when you least expect it. Focus on branding yourself as an expert in the field by posting informational and innovative articles on social media platforms.
You can also evade depression, panic or fear when faced with stalled unemployment rates by continuing your education. Boost your knowledge and your credibility by seeking out certifications, advanced degrees and industry-related conferences. Higher education institutions can offer you job leads through career and employment services targeted at helping students find full-time career opportunities.
It may seem that unemployment rates are decreasing, but the harsh reality is that many individuals are settling for part-time positions to make ends meet. Avoid falling into a funk when searching or a job by refining your professional brand to increase your opportunities.
Photo Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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