Job Search Fact Or Myth? Age Discrimination Is A Major Issue In A Job Search
A lot of material has been published both in print and posted online that has caused older job seekers, especially those Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s, to be afraid that they are no longer marketable. As a career coach and resume writer, I am finding that even some candidates in their early-to-mid 40s are now concerned about their age when conducting a job search.
Do Companies Really Discriminate Based on Age?
The answer, for the most part, is a resounding NO! Most companies do not discriminate against older workers. In fact, in today's business climate, where organizations have serious concerns about the strength, work ethic, and dedication of the younger generations, it doesn't serve corporations to do so and workers with more experience are becoming more highly valued.
The Truth Is in the Numbers
First of all, it is a simple fact that Baby Boomers by far outnumber their children's generation. So basic math tells us that employers cannot afford to be that picky. The whole job market simply cannot be 25 to 40 years of age!
Second, I'm not sure I've met many senior managers, supervisors, and advanced-level professionals who are 25 years old. Furthermore, it isn't like all hiring managers are less than 30 years of age. Many of them are also Baby Boomers or just about. It is a hard sell to suggest they are discriminating against people their own age.
Third, I have yet to hear employers say that they don't value experience. You simply can't have much experience at 25, no matter how great you are.
The Real Issue
It seems to me that what many people tag as age discrimination against older candidates during the job search has more to do with the attitudes possessed by that worker. Remember, most older candidates simply have more work history than those job seekers right out of college. With that experience comes the baggage of having been laid off, downsized, rightsized, outsourced, or just simply having had a bad boss.
The Bitter Root
That baggage usually manifests itself as bitterness during an interview. Any trained interview professional will easily key in on underlying bitterness a candidate possesses, even if the job seeker is unaware of its existence. Think about it, whom would you rather hire, candidates that are bitter about their previous work history, knowing that they will likely drag that with them into their new role, or candidates fresh out of college that are enthused, excited, and energetic about the opportunity at hand?
That's not age discrimination, that's just simple common sense. Employers don't want someone who looks run down, tired out, and weary, and is still angry about that old boss in 1982! Employers want to hire people with good attitudes and a good outlook on work and life, people who are up-to-date on their skills and eager to take on a new challenge, who leverage the great experience they have earned (especially from the bad situations) to build a win-win environment.
So Age Discrimination Is a Myth?
No, unfortunately, cases of it have and do occur. Blue collar, manufacturing, entry-level administration...those are areas where it can occur the most. And, thankfully, there are processes in place for when they do. But even in many of those cases, the tricky question is whether someone is being discriminated because of their age or they are being replaced because of having out-of-date skills.
In this day and age, there really is no longer any excuse for not knowing basic computer functions. There are just too many resources out there, many of them relatively inexpensive, that can help you.
The Last Word
No matter how you look at it, in no way, shape, or form is age discrimination occurring at such a level to cause an entire generation of workers to feel they need to hide their experience on resumes or to feel trapped in positions because they won't be able to find another company to take them.
I really feel like now is a great time for Baby Boomers to be out there. They just need to take that knowledge and combine it with an eagerness to still learn new things and to bring to the table the standard of professionalism that is often sorely lacking in today's corporations.
Blame it on the Economy; Everyone Else Does
I've been half-teasing lately with my career services colleagues that the banks and GM aren't the only ones in need of a bailout. Job seekers should ask for one too. Why not? It seems that in today's environment the more corporate leaders mismanage their businesses, the more attractive they are for getting bailed out by the U.S. tax payer.
So why should job seekers be any different?
It is no secret that most job seekers are ill prepared for their job search. They spend money in the wrong places. They pin their hopes on the wrong things. They have very little idea of what to expect (although they think they know it all). They try all kinds of tricks and shenanigans to make things work for them.
And then they are upset when they don't have positive results. Or when they don't land the career of their dreams.
I spent a great deal of time the other day trying to work with this woman in Jackson, Mississippi. She's been searching for a job for a little less than 30 days, and she is looking for a sales position with an earning potential of about ~$150,000.
She's frustrated. She wants the resume "fixed," she wants the economy "fixed," she feels victimized by her last employer, and she wants this job search over within 45 days or else.....she doesn't know what "else" is exactly, but she really means it. It better be over in 45 days, or she is going to do something!
After talking her down off the ledge, I spent some time 1) discovering how she has been conducting her search so far and 2) figuring out where these expectations came from. As I suspected, kind of like the housing market, when people aren't making 150% profits from their homes, then they're suffering...
So you tell me, is my client from Jackson a victim of the economy or of herself:
When I explained to her that as a full-time job seeker, she should be sending out somewhere between 35 and 50 resumes per week (because she is only sending out ~5/week now), she told me that there weren't 35 to 50 jobs posted in her area in Jackson each week. Her exact words were "Recruiters are telling me to wait until after the new year."
Like most job seekers, networking and cold calling are foreign concepts to her. Instead, she is just planning on waiting around for that job to open up (within 45 days or else, of course!).
When I asked her how she was spending her 40 hours/week since now she is unemployed, she confessed that she has no idea how much time she is really spending (remember she is only sending out ~5 resumes/week). But again, there was little for her to do because Jackson, MS, doesn't have many job postings...
When I told her the average job search time for someone making $150,000/year is about 4 months for ~40 hours/week of time spent searching, she simply recited to me all her stellar credentials. And then blamed Bush and the economy. When I told her that those stats are nothing new, and have been around for a while, she still blamed Bush.
Basically, no matter what I said, in her mind, if she didn't have a job offer within 45 days, either her resume service ripped her off or it was all Bush's fault.
So what am I to conclude here? You think maybe she is a rare case?
I'm afraid not.
Listen...is this a tough job market? Sure it is. I don't think that is in dispute. But tough does not mean impossible, and too many job seekers give up without hardly trying. And most of the time, they went into the search with poor expectations in the first place.
Perhaps the oddest thing about my friend in Jackson is that, of all things, she is a sales person. She can tell you all about the sales life cycle, all about branding and product positioning, all about selling in a tough market. But when it comes to her job search, she cannot apply those same principles.
It never ceases to amaze me just how emotional the job search process is. It challenges you to move outside of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. Most people go into it kicking and screaming, on a good day. So as soon as there is something out there to blame, to latch onto as the reason for all our problems, we so easily take the bait.
Then what are we left with? Demotivation? Looking for that genie in a bottle?
No worries. The government is into redemption these days.
Career Change – Understanding your Worth and Value
Asimo is a robot made by Honda and currently working for IBM Japan. ASIMO works as a receptionist for IBM. He greets guests and shows them around the building. Asimo’s gets paid $150,000 a year (Yearly lease for ASIMO) Compared to the salary of a human receptionist - $35,000. To perform these duties, ASIMO has to be specially programmed to know the layout of the buildings and the appropriate way to greet visitors and answer questions.
What about You!
I recently saw a documentary about a lady that could not smile because of a birth defect. It cost her $70,000 to surgically have a smile created for her. It's close to the real thing but it's still not the real thing. Knowing the value of a rolex watch, how much would you pay for a fake rolex. Now try smiling. Easy? That's priceless but an artificial one would cost you $70,000.
Try squeezing your hand, pick up your pen, throw your pen a varied speeds, pick your ear, play with your hand, do what you wish. Asimo couldn't even do a tenth of what you are doing, yet it is paid a salary of $150,000 dollars. Asimo is a fake version of you. No where near the real thing.
You are priceless and Asimo is worthless compared to what you can do.
Yet it gets paid more than most!
Why?
People will only see you as you see yourself! My father always told me; "If you sell yourself cheap during the day, don't expect to increase the price at night, for you will not find a buyer" You are fearfully & wonderfully made, you probably have been nurtured and cared for by loving parents who in their own rights are priceless. You don't have to be programmed to know the layout of a building, greet visitors and answer questions. You are not made by man but uniquely created and fashioned to invent, innovate, discover, adapt and rule.
Dr, Micheal Denton clearly states – the cosmos (universe) is specially designed whole with life and mankind as its fundamental goal and purpose. Cosmos - The universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious whole. In simple words, The world has been created specifically for you!
Trees have a purpose, gold has a purpose, water has a purpose, salt has a purpose, even micro-organisms have a purpose. What more of you? You are the most intelligent being of all creation - One that wills thoughts to action, one with feelings, emotions, a soul and a mind to invent, learn, discover, communicate, build and rule.
The more physicist, biologists and scientist learn about the universe the more they realise it has been created custom made for human existence. For you are made with love in mind - Psalmist
If the world has been built with you in mind, why settle for anything less. Asimo is a product of your your neighbours invention and how much is it worth?
The question I need to ask you is this:
How do you see yourself?
The most valuable things in life are not things but people. You and I.
Celebrate and value yourself daily and everyone else will treat you the same way.
www.careerinsights.tv
How To Get Your Career Change In Motion
Know Your Uniqueness
Find out what is unique in you that makes you stand out and makes you the right choice for the job advertised.
The first thing you need to have is an outstanding resume, one that will guarantee you an interview. Every organization wants only the best employees, and you need to prove that you qualify.
Some basic preparation to determine your uniqueness is in order.
1. Recognize your strengths. You need to review what you have already done as well as your competence and aptitude level. Your past appraisal reports, verbal or written, will help you with this.
2. Identify your skills. The skills and experience you have acquired over the years will help you handle your new job. You have technical skills as well as software skills that you carry with you wherever you go. Stress these strengths. For example, your communication, management and interpersonal skills might be your forte.
3. Highlight your personality. You also have certain personal traits that make you unique. You have a record of meeting deadlines. You have initiative and a great attitude. Being positive will carry you a long way.
4. Follow up your list of strengths with examples to support them. This is most important if your interviewer is to believe that you are not claiming strengths you may not actually have. This will help you stand out.
Locating the Job of Your Choice
Geographical limitations should not stop you from applying for a job that you are suited for.
Read every advertisement carefully, noting what each company is looking for. Then make your notes in two columns, one with the heading "What the organization is looking for" and the other "What I have to offer." This exercise will help you see the closest matches.
It will help you identify your skills and strengths and how you might apply them. Spell them out in as many words as the advertisement calls for. This will make your resume stronger. You should also use this information in an interview situation.
Facing Your Interviewers
Remember to research the organization before the interview. This will demonstrate your interest in the company and also help you frame questions to them.
Wearing the appropriate clothing is important for any interview, so it is best to find out ahead of time what that is. In general, attire for an interview is formal; but if your research tells you that the organization is informal, dressing more casually might be a better choice.
Women candidates are faced with more choices. A good policy is to wear nothing very dramatic and keep it conservative. It's better to avoid fragrances the day of the interview.
Always remember: first impressions are often the last impressions, so make the best of that interview call. You may not get a second chance.
reCareered: Who’s Firing? Layoffs week ended 10-16-09
Who's Firing is a weekly survey of organizations announcing (or rumoring) layoffs. Not only is this valuable for job seekers, but for business analysts, corporate strategists, marketers, salespeople, investment analysts, financial advisers, and others who are interested in companies that are contracting.
Inclusion on this listing doesn’t mean the entire industry is down, as many from the same sector appeared on the “Who’s Hiring” article published 10/12/09. It is interesting to note that while Federal hiring is on the rise, a number of State and Local governments face continued cutbacks. Also, Verizon has led the top hiring lists, but is also announcing a number of layoffs. Boeing made the layoff list, while competing aerospace manufacturers top the Who’s Hiring lists. Job seekers: You might want to look in greener pastures than these companies. Layoffs announced and rumored this week were in the Government, Manufacturing, Automotive, Technology, Publishing and Energy sectors. Organizations announcing or rumored layoffs week ended 10/16/09:
AM General (250)State of Massachusetts (up to 2K)State of Iowa (1000)Standish Max Prison (Michigan) (100)Smiths Medical PM Inc. (100)The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (260)Boeing Corp. (200-300)City of Spokane, WA (200)SunTrust Bank (YTD 100)Wilsonart International (120)Moog Aircraft Group (220)Onondaga County, NY (133)State of New Hampshire (300)Country Financial (400)Kohl's Corporation (250)Team Broadcast Services (96)HNI Corporation (150)State of Vermont (160 total jobs lost)Verizon Communications (200)City of Moraine, OH (187)Solvay Pharmaceuticals (450)Steifel Laboratories (200)Pilgrim's Pride (GA) (100)Hamilton County Public Library (250)Oral Roberts University (124)NYC Dept. of Education (714)Albany County, NY (109)Bestop (140)Flour Energy Corp. (500)Valero Energy Corp. (250)Boeing Corp. (130)D&E Communications (280-290)United States Postal Service (650)Lafayette Caterpillar (106)American Cancer Society (140)Canron Western Constructors Inc. (106)Fluor Corporation (100-150)Redcats USA (490)Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (150)Kent County, MI (145)Boise Cascade (130)Dell (905)L.L. Bean Call Center (700)Sunoco Inc. (400)ATK Space Systems (550)Hilton Reservations and Customer Care (176)Thermo Fisher Scientific (130)Conde Nast Publications (180)Atlantic City Casinos (1067)Metavation (120)Prairie Correctional Facility (120)University of California Riverside (425)Pilgrim’s Pride (640)Emerson Network Power Connectivity Solutions (135)United Space Alliance (258)Dow Roofing (100)Tomasco Mulciber Inc. (213)Delta, Eagan, MN (unknown)Aramark Health Support Services, Huntsville, AL (163)Chevron Mining, Gallup NM (80)Electric Boat, Groton, CT (96)Sylvania Yarn Systems (145)Trojan Battery Co., Sandersville, GA (50)HON Co., Owensboro, KY (144)Aramark Sports & Entertainment, Deer Creek Resort, Mt. Sterling, OH (112)Phoenix Health Systems, Pittsburgh, PA (50)GE Oil & Gas Operations, Bethelehem, PA (81)Parsons, Pittsburgh, PA (90)Alliance One Inc., Trevose, PA (63)Richfield Hospitality, Charlottesville, VA (146)FreightCar America Inc., Roanoke, VA (33)Lockheed Martin, Fairfax, VA (65)Educational Credit Management Corp., Richmond, VA (60)Wells Fargo Mortgage, Kirkland, WA (60)Brandrud, Auburn, WA (104)Corhart Refractories, Buckhannon, WV (26)Care Wisconsin First, Madison, WI (77)Eppendorf Inc., Westbury, NY (44)Avant-Garde Optics LLC, Washington, NY (137)Matthews International Corp., Seneca Falls, NY (33)Tavern on the Green LP, NYC (405)Dominion Enterprises DBA Interco Print, Ontario, CA (31)Telecare Corp, Lemon Grove, CA (102)Duane Morris LLC, Carpinteria, CA (126)USS-Posco Industries, Pittsburg, CA (827)Bassett Furniture Industries Inc, Bassett, VA (45)Summit Holdings, Lakeland, FL (70)Frontier Oil Corp., Cheyenne, WY (28)NCH Healthcare, Naples, FL System (66)Freudenberg-NOK, Spencer, IA (65)Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Lacrosse, WI (25)McCann Erickson, San Francisco, CA (40)Jeld-Wen, Bend, OR (31)Foley & Lardner LLC, Milwaukee, WI (39)Crothall Services Group, Valhalla, NY (235)Aramark, Huntsville, AL (163)Mueller Industries, Fulton, MS (37)Miller Brothers Mining, KY (85)Baker Hughes Inc., Houston, TX, (62)Hamilton Sundstrand, Hartford, CN (30)City of Loveland, CO (5.9%)Comcast, Wellesley, MA (64)Rensselaer County, NY (24)Midcoast Aviation, Cahokia, MO (150)TomoTherapy, Madison, WI (10%)Boston Globe, Boston, MA (unknown)Police Department Kansas City, MO (16)Clear One Health Plans, Bend, OR (25)Save – A – Pet, Greyslake, IL (40%)Microtune, Plano, TX (10%)Viking Range Corporation, Greenwood, MS (30)Current Media, San Francisco, CA (unknown)NH Department of Corrections (37)Bossier City, LA (88)Calumet City IL Schools (57)Lackawanna County, PA (30)Verizon, Newark, DE (66)Bistol Meyers Squibb, National (355 of Abilify sales force)MetLife, Lackawanna County PA (34)Stanley Furniture, Stanleytown, VA (unknown)North Providence, RI (35)Louisiana State Department of Education, Baton Rouge, LA (50)Yuba Community College, Clearlake, CA (56)Chelan County, WA (50)City of Kingston, NY (28)AOL, NY, NY (2,000)EBay, San Francisco, CA (several dozen)LCN Closers, Princeton, IL (47)NC Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC (thousands)City of Aurora, CO (50)Ohio State Prisons, Ohio (41)Osceola County, FL (40)University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH (50)Volvo Trucks North America, Dublin VA (50)Zillion TV, Sunnyvale, CA (1/3)Victor Valley College, Victorville, CA (28)DaySpring Inc, Siloam Springs, AR (53)CNN, Atlanta, GA (unknown)Source: Google, Twitter, AllPinkSlips.com, Telonu.com, TechCrunch.com, CoStar.com, Gawker, Screwedd.com
Readers – If you know of employers announcing significant layoff plans, or employers reducing large numbers of employees, please comment below to add to this list.
Trackback: http://www.recareered.blogspot.com/2009/10/whos-firing-layoffs-week-ending-10-16.html
Taking back America – One Vocation at a time!
The solution is YOU Inc.
Teaching and speaking for 2 weeks in China brought me to an epiphany. America is losing ground quickly with having no clear strategy on what to do to regain a strong economy. It was amazing for me to discover that in China growth is everywhere. Most people have health care and money left over. It's cheap to eat, affordable to buy apartments and cars are not really necessary because taxi is so cheap. Even more amazing I was feeling safer in the city of 7 million where I visited than in any American town. Why? No guns allowed. The police walk around unarmed. Yes, I know what you are thinking. Free speech is an issue there. In fact, this kind of criticism there might get me a few years of tough labor. Ok, so no place is perfect but for sure we have lessons to learn.
We don't produce anything anymore
Except war, that's it. And even now that is outsourced. I have a call into the president to intercept this new 30 billion on its way to fight more unnecessary war so instead we can use it for heath care for 47 million citizens without heath insurance. He hasn't called back yet. Do you know it costs us 1 million dollars per soldier in the Middle East? Any American company would go under quickly with this kind of spending per employee. Well, the only exception would be the Wall Street firms. But, then again I never understood the meaning to spend a lifetime just watching money go up and down. There is a small movement in congress to apply a small excise tax on all financial transactions (trading stocks, bonds, and derivatives). I would go a step further and enact in law that all tax collected from Wall Street go directly to paying 100% health care for all Americans. Health care problem solved and Wall Street and its behavior become socially useful. What a concept!
What are we doing?
We are waiting for the other financial shoe to drop. It will, and soon. Our greed for making money out of thin air has not stopped and unless we change behavior our current economic crisis will only get worse.
The solution is vocation
With this article I am launching a new program called "Taking back America - One vocation at a time". The emphasis on just job creation is short sighted. First, how many people really want to work on construction projects? The smarter approach is to fund people and programs directly to teach people how to have vocation - the work which will last their entire lives.
Let's start with you
You can start to take back America and be a role model right now. What services or products can you create and sell to others which would be useful and earn you an income. Even if you work for someone else thinking like an entrepreneur is what America needs right now. 150 years ago bartering was popular - people helping out each other. Guess what? In this down economy you can again find bartering clubs starting up again. The plumber donates 20 hours a month as the dentist does. They exchange services and help each other. No money is exchanged.
We need to be creative as a society
Violence just breeds more violence. The more we focus on the war against terror and live in fear the more fearful we will become. Instead, let’s focus on making a difference in our work for ourselves and others and we will get better results.
What can organizations do?
First, stop laying-off people. I wish firms were penalized 1 million dollars each for each person laid-off. This might turn around the focus a bit on people development rather than to lay-off people and then rehire those same positions one year later at twice the costs. With new job security people could again focus on work without fear. Make people development a larger priority than profit. That’s right, people over profit. We tend to roll out programs to motivate people to do more of what we want them to do. Instead if we invested time to teach people how to motivate themselves. They would be happier, more joyful and in turn their organizations which they worked for would benefit as well.
What can individuals do?
Start working towards vocation - that is doing work which you really love which will last a lifetime. What would this be for you? Start to produce something! Or start a service! Find just one customer. Prove to yourself what you have is valuable. If everyone did this, we would take America back. We would once again be a country which produces. If you don’t want to do it alone there are many smaller firms which would love your ideas. Do you know that over 80% of all firms in America have less than 10 people? Do you know that over 99% of all firms in America have less that 500 people? Do you know that 50% of these businesses are home based!! Is this enough incentive for you!
Can’t we all be like Bhutan?
I think the King of Bhutan was on to something when he decided that the national gross product of his country would be happiness and well-being. Wow, how forward thinking in 1972. America is now 38th in the world for life expectancy at 78 (75 for men and 80 for women) Australia is the leader at 80 on average.
We need to be more self sustaining
That’s right. And it starts with your work. Everyone over 40 right now should have multiple streams of income. This will help you to become more self-sustaining
How can you do your part to take back America?
Figure out what product or service you can create and sell to at least one other person? Just imagine if every person over 40 did this? Now, that’s vocation creation and a better focus than war and terror, don’t you think?
I love our country!
I really do which is why I have launched this program. It's a small part which integrates with my work and just might make a difference for one person at a time with their work and their life. You can do this too with your work and I'll be cheering you on as you go. One vocation at a time!
I'll be cheering you on as you go - Craig Nathanson
Eleven Steps to FINALLY loving your work after forty
Step One: Envision exactly what would be just perfect for you!Many people stop on this first step by their negativity. But no one is going to do this except you.Take some time and create a picture in your mind of the work which would be just perfect for you. Is it working in the health field, with children, painting, writing or creating marketing campaigns? Separate the money at this stage or you will NEVER move to the step 2. Of course, there will be steps to get to this perfect state. What would that look like for you?Step Two: Write down your plan to get thereWhen you write down a plan, your whole life and activities start to align around what you want. Then you start to figure out how to reach your goals. All of a sudden daily activities start to align and make sense. You start to be clearer about which opportunities to say yes to and which to turn down. Once written down you have something to refer to daily especially when you encounter others who don’t support your plans.Step Three: Talk to others about your plansThis is not a process of ego. In some ways it doesn’t matter who you talk to. Strangers on the airplane are the best for the start. They listen and ask questions while you get to practice your new elevator speech about your life. When you talk to others about your plans you commit yourself and start to believe that what you want is possible. This is really important. You are not talking to others to get their views. You have to be strong emotionally and resist to the negative view.Step Four: Take small steps dailyImagine you just started an exercise program. The first 4 days you jog slowly. You start to feel sore but good at the same time. Then you decide to take a week off. You lose all the momentum and fitness gained in those first four days. The same is true for vocational passion. You need to take small steps daily. For example, if you decide you want to be in the marketing field, don’t let a day go by without reading an article on marketing, talking to someone about marketing or marketing something yourself. These activities build new habits around what you want vs. perhaps old addictions which are no longer helpful for you in your life.Step Five: Measure your progressFinancial experts will advise to make a budget and keep track of your spending. They claim this helps to place focus on where your spending is going. Again this is true for moving towards your vocational goals. To keep track of your daily activities and progress will help as you move towards new goals in your life. Then you can examine what is working and what is not working, so you can make corrections as you go.Step Six: Celebrate small progressUsing the above example, you decide to subscribe to an on-line marketing forum with other marketing professionals. For a week, you log on daily and discuss the world of marketing with others. It feels good to be involved with others who share your passion of marketing. At the end of the week you have new ideas and are feeling pretty good about your progress. Ok, time to celebrate in a healthy way. Maybe for you this means going out to a nice dinner or maybe a movie or buying a new CD or your favorite newspaper. The point is these small celebrations will reinforce your progress and encourage even more progress. This is very different than the rewards you used to have in the past when the organization allowed you to wear jeans on Friday for work performed- how humiliating!Step Seven: Change course when neededAlong the way you will run into challenges and roadblocks. You may need to slightly change course. I have many clients who start down the road to one passion then suddenly discover this was not what they expected. Don’t be afraid to make change mid-stream. These are usually small changes but enough to keep the dreams alive and moving forward. The most important thing is to be aware of and recognize when change is needed. One can usually tell if they listen careful to their INNER signals.Step Eight: Get a new teamIn many cases, the path towards a new vocation will require a new team or just a new commitment from the same team! Approach your existing team of friends, family and professional contacts and let them know your new path and direction and ask for their support, ideas and encouragement. If you run into anyone who doesn’t support what you want, let them know in a nice way you may have to drop them from the team down the road. This is the hardest thing to do with a spouse who isn’t thrilled with your new plans in mid-life. The key to a strong relationship is to support each others’ dreams and desires. Without this, there is no longer a strong foundation in the relationship to fall back on during challenging times. This is the time when a new team or member is needed. Surround yourself with only people who support and encourage your development at this stage of your life. Don’t settle for anything less!Step Nine: Change your environmentIt is amazing how just a small or large change in environment can make a difference in your progress. Burdened by a large mortgage, perhaps a move to a less expensive area will make the difference. Perhaps moving to a new office or part of the house will create the same effect.Start with the criteria which would be just perfect for you with regards to the environment. This should include where you live, how you live and what stuff you live with. Sometimes just getting rid of old junk and things can create a lighter backpack for your new life.Step Ten: Change your financial stateMoney is such a personal topic. Start with a clear understanding of what you need vs. what you want. There is a difference. How much money do you need to make, net after taxes to do the work you love? It is amazing to me how many people don’t have a good idea as to their monthly cash flow and expenses. Where can you lighten the load? Start with small things and work your way up. Don’t expect miracles. Stay away from traditional advice like saving for retirement. This should be the first idea to throw out. Cash out your savings for death (my word for retirement) and use now to fund your way towards doing what you love. You won’t die or go homeless at this step. You need to free up all resources now. So many people I work with are scared of losing their money and this fear prevents them from living in the present and making a better life now vs. saving for someday which usually never comes as life tends to get in the way.Step Eleven: Continue learningContinue learning and improve your self-awareness. This is key to future development and a sense of calmness about your path. Start a journal. Just before bed each night, answer the question, what did I learn about myself today. There will always be something you learned. Read this journal every 30 days. You will see your progress. This is what I call the compounding of self-awareness which is much more valuable in mid-life than the compounding of money. If you follow JUST money then after losing your work you are left with nothing. But if you follow a path towards doing work which you love, you may lose money but you will always have the work to do which you love!I’ll be cheering you on as you go!Craig Nathanson
Craig Nathanson is the author of "Don't JUST retire and die: A new approach to your life and work after 40" and he is a coaching expert who works with people over forty.Visit Craig’s online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can take a class, get more ideas through Craig Nathanson’s books and CD’s, get some private coaching over the phone or skype or in Craig’s office, or read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.Craig lives and works in Petaluma, California. His office is located at P.O Box 2823, Petaluma Ca, 94953. You can reach him at 707-775-4020 or at craig@thevocationalcoach.com.
Is Your Job on the Declining Occupations List?
The recent buyouts at General Motors, Delphi Corporation or Ford caught some people off guard.
Of course they say hindsight is 20/20 and many people are now looking backwards and realizing that the writing about declining professions, has been on the wall for a long time. Research shows that buyouts and changes in the auto industry has been a long time coming and some workers may have used the opportunity to retool for new careers in the future.
As we evaluate our own careers we should be thinking about what lessons we can learn from this latest round of buyouts in the automotive industry. We must constantly scan the internal and external environments to see what is happening in our industry. Look not only at your company, but at other companies in your industry. Pay attention to what is happening with your company's vendors and customers as well and read national and regional reports on growing or declining occupations.
One good sign or indicator to watch is the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of the top 50 occupations with declining employment. These are the occupations that are projected to have the largest decline in number of people employed in the United States between 2006 and 2016.
Many times we do not see these lists because we just do not know where to look. Sometimes though people avoid paying attention to these lists because they want to stay positive and fear the alternatives they might have to explore. It is important to really take responsibility for our own career choices and start looking at these indicators and warning signs. The warning signs give us the chance to prepare by:
- dusting off and updating old resumes and career portfolios
- learning about the latest job interview types - Assessment, Behavioral or Speed
- exploring new or related careers
- picking up new job skills at work to expand your value
- learning new skills in a different area or department at work
- going back to school and signing up for a vocational program
- becoming a go-to expert in your field
- relocating to another state where your skills or region may be more in demand
Here are the Top 20 declining occupations from the list. You might not recognize most of these jobs in the top 20 but I am sure you will recognize others from this Top 50 list. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will give you additional specific details for job projections in your specific state as well.
1. Photographic processing machine operators
2. File clerks
3. Wood model makers
4. Wood Patternmakers
5. Telephone operators
6. Photographic process workers
7. Shoe machine operators and tenders
8. Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders
9. Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
10. Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
11. Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders
12. Fabric and apparel patternmakers
13. Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders
14. Sewing machine operators
15. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers
16. Computer operators
17. Order Clerks
18. Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders
19. Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
20. Foundry mold and core makers
Having trouble finding one job? Get five instead which is much easier and here’s how!
Have multiple streams of income
In this economy the idea of having just one job doesn't make sense. First there is much competition for a single job. Second, once committed to just one job, independence and flexibility is taken away. The best strategy in this economy especially for those over 40 is to have multiple streams of income. This gives one the best sense of security. If one stream of income doesn't work out, there are many others to turn to. I suggest the number five as a target to aim for. Why? No scientific reason other than you can keep track of them on one hand. This approach, of course, takes a whole different thought process.
One of the best ways to start is to search on the various job sites under part-time work. I recommend indeed.com. Also start to look at sites like guru.com and elance.com which give people the opportunity to bid on work and offer themselves and their talents.
Align all work around a central theme
It is important for focus, energy, and momentum to look for five sources of revenue which all relate to one another. For example, I had a client who was a high school teacher and decided to leave because of new stress on teachers. She still loved to teach. Today, she helps high school seniors to discover what they want to do in their life and to find the best colleges for them. She has a coaching business helping high school students who are struggling with grades. Her third source and core business is developing training programs for teachers as part of their in-service training days teaching them how to communicate with students better. Her fourth and fifth sources of revenue are working part-time for others. She is a substitute high school teacher for 3 districts 3 days a week. She likes the challenge and no longer has the state testing pressure. Her other part-time job is working for a text book company selling textbooks to high school teachers. This keeps her close to her target audience and customers. Her overall revenue after 2 years of developing is slightly higher than she made as a full time teacher. Now she has to pay private health insurance and she gave up her "retirement"but she is happier now with no need to ever stop doing what she loves. Recently she told me that she was considering a sixth source of revenue which is assisting teachers on the path and process to teach overseas.
Establish You.inc
Like the example above, this same opportunity is available to you. First, you must think through which abilities and interests align the best. This is where you should focus. You will surprise yourself with the ideas you come up with. It is much easier to get 5 sources of revenue and customers then just one traditional job which lock you into a time, place, and a salary! So outdated for those over 40!
Establish a niche
I have one client who loved working with old classic cars. Fast forward today and he has multiple streams of income around this passion. He organizes downtown shows of old cars. He actually fixes other people's old cars. He acts as a broker helping people to get the spare parts they need for their vintage cars. He works one day a week at a junk yard. He likes being outside and this also gives him access to new parts which come in. He works 2 days a week changing tires at a local shop. While this doesn't relate directly to his love of old cars, he knows how to fix tires and this part time job keeps him around cars!
Find new ways to work
Start with a business card. What would you call yourself? What would your tagline be? What would your marketing flyer look like? What products and services could you develop and sell to others. Which part-time jobs could you combine in similar areas?
It all starts with a sense of purpose and path
Focus in areas where you feel deep interest. It is very important especially after 40 when you start feeling a sense of urgency around your work and what you do.
Over 40 the OLD way of looking for just one job no longer makes sense. The new way is to create multiple streams of income. This is important in mid-life as the need to explore, to travel, and to be creative rises to the surface. Getting just ONE job is hard work- Getting five is much easier!
I'll be cheering you on as you go - Craig Nathanson
Having Trouble Finding One Job? Get Five Instead Which Is Much Easier And Here’s How!
Have multiple streams of income
In this economy the idea of having just one job doesn't make sense. First there is much competition for a single job. Second, once committed to just one job, independence and flexibility is taken away. The best strategy in this economy especially for those over 40 is to have multiple streams of income. This gives one the best sense of security. If one stream of income doesn't work out, there are many others to turn to. I suggest the number five as a target to aim for. Why? No scientific reason other than you can keep track of them on one hand. This approach, of course, takes a whole different thought process.
One of the best ways to start is to search on the various job sites under part-time work. I recommend indeed.com. Also start to look at sites like guru.com and elance.com which give people the opportunity to bid on work and offer themselves and their talents.
Align all work around a central theme
It is important for focus, energy, and momentum to look for five sources of revenue which all relate to one another. For example, I had a client who was a high school teacher and decided to leave because of new stress on teachers. She still loved to teach. Today, she helps high school seniors to discover what they want to do in their life and to find the best colleges for them. She has a coaching business helping high school students who are struggling with grades. Her third source and core business is developing training programs for teachers as part of their in-service training days teaching them how to communicate with students better. Her fourth and fifth sources of revenue are working part-time for others. She is a substitute high school teacher for 3 districts 3 days a week. She likes the challenge and no longer has the state testing pressure. Her other part-time job is working for a text book company selling textbooks to high school teachers. This keeps her close to her target audience and customers. Her overall revenue after 2 years of developing is slightly higher than she made as a full time teacher. Now she has to pay private health insurance and she gave up her "retirement"but she is happier now with no need to ever stop doing what she loves. Recently she told me that she was considering a sixth source of revenue which is assisting teachers on the path and process to teach overseas.
Establish You.inc
Like the example above, this same opportunity is available to you. First, you must think through which abilities and interests align the best. This is where you should focus. You will surprise yourself with the ideas you come up with. It is much easier to get 5 sources of revenue and customers then just one traditional job which lock you into a time, place, and a salary! So outdated for those over 40!
Establish a niche
I have one client who loved working with old classic cars. Fast forward today and he has multiple streams of income around this passion. He organizes downtown shows of old cars. He actually fixes other people's old cars. He acts as a broker helping people to get the spare parts they need for their vintage cars. He works one day a week at a junk yard. He likes being outside and this also gives him access to new parts which come in. He works 2 days a week changing tires at a local shop. While this doesn't relate directly to his love of old cars, he knows how to fix tires and this part time job keeps him around cars!
Find new ways to work
Start with a business card. What would you call yourself? What would your tagline be? What would your marketing flyer look like? What products and services could you develop and sell to others. Which part-time jobs could you combine in similar areas?
It all starts with a sense of purpose and path
Focus in areas where you feel deep interest. It is very important especially after 40 when you start feeling a sense of urgency around your work and what you do.
Over 40 the OLD way of looking for just one job no longer makes sense. The new way is to create multiple streams of income. This is important in mid-life as the need to explore, to travel, and to be creative rises to the surface. Getting just ONE job is hard work- Getting five is much easier!
I'll be cheering you on as you go - Craig Nathanson
Craig Nathanson is the author of "Don't JUST retire and die: A new approach to your life and work after 40" and he is a coaching expert who works with people over forty.
Visit Craig’s online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can take a class, get more ideas through Craig Nathanson’s books and CD’s, get some private coaching over the phone or skype using webcam or in Craig’s office.