In this uncertain labor market, you can never be sure if you will have a job tomorrow. Even though the unemployment rate has dropped in recent months, layoffs continue, belts are tightening everywhere, wages remain stagnant and hiring is slow. Many new jobs are in the service or labor sectors, and not in middle management or the executive suite.
A good job with good benefits was the dream and goal of generations. It still is today. Many jobs that were lost are gone forever. Long established businesses like Blockbuster and Books a Million have become victims of NetFlix and the Kindle. When their outlets close, the jobs go with them. Newspapers, the land-line and the businesses they created may not be around much longer.
You can find the jobs of the future by searching websites like businessworkforce.com and other industry specific sites. What jobs are listed? Many sites have job listings and a wealth of resources on what jobs are trending now and how to train and prepare for a career change.
A good job may be through self-employment. Entrepreneurship is the latest hedge against unemployment. A side business is no longer just a hobby; it is quickly becoming a necessity. Self-employment, creating the next fad product, or creating a service can be a “Plan B” to tide you over after a layoff or launch you into a new career and tax bracket.
Now is the time to put a “Plan B” in place. Many of tomorrow’s jobs require technical skills, Internet savvy, knowledge of Internet and social network marketing to get off the ground and become profitable. You can gain the knowledge you need through online classes that fit around your regular work schedule.
The Internet is a great learning tool; with lots of free information for would be entrepreneurs. Social Media Examiner (socialmediaexaminer.com) is a website that has tips and free webinars on how to market your business using social media. Designing a website and going “live” no longer requires writing your own html code. You can be up and running on etsy.com in an afternoon with an online shop. You can use sites like Facebook.com or LinkedIn.com to promote your business or connect with other professionals.
You may have a good job in a stable market. Even so, the time is now to develop a “Plan B.” Do your best work and if things fall through, don’t beat yourself up. Having a “Plan B” will get you through to your next great opportunity or open the door to a creative, exciting future.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for BusinessWorkForce.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients discover what they love and spend their life on it. You can read more of her blogs at businessworkforceblog.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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