Typically, crises come with a lot of emotions about economics, employment, finances, etc., you get the picture. But there is good news! Landing a job during a crisis is not only probable but possible – so, why is this good news? Glad you asked.
This is the perfect time to shift your thought process and redirect your job search energies in a new direction. To consider things that you never thought about before…for instance, perhaps you have a hobby that you enjoy and have been told that you should think about turning it into a business but you never consider it simply because it is a hobby.
Allow me to share a true story with you. I have a son that loves to write for fun in his spare time (can you imagine anyone loving to write for fun!). He has written several short stories that have never been seen by anyone other than his close-knit family and they are good. Without prejudice, let me tell you that he is an excellent writer.
He is always complaining that he never has enough money, so I have been encouraging him to consider writing as a side job. I suggested that he submit one of his short stories for a contest but still, he would not listen. While life does go on…sometimes it comes along and BAM, something out of the ordinary happens and we are forced to reevaluate. To make a long story short and stay on point, the company he works for has started to furlough workers due to the COVID-19 and it just might be a matter of time before he is laid off or furloughed. Guess what? He is now ready to consider what I have been telling him all along: to think outside the box and consider how you can use other non-traditional skills and talents for employment opportunities.
If you find yourself having to look for a job when you least expect to…don’t give up! This might be a perfect opportunity for you to think outside of the box. There are skills and talents that you probably have never thought of because we get so used to doing the same thing the same way. Our world is changing and if we are going to stay on top of it, we must learn to change with it. I have listed some tips that I believe will help you to stay positive and have an active and engaging job search that will reap benefits in the long run.
- Don’t lose sight of your long-term goal.
- Accept Reality — you might have to apply for a job on a short-term basis to meet your daily basic needs.
- Make full use of social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
- Network, Network, and Network!
- Change your perspective.
- Stay positive – find ways that will keep you engaged and positive during your search. Perhaps, this is the most challenging, but it is no less important.
- Never Give Up and Don’t Quit!
Additionally, an excellent resource for looking for a job can be found at your local Workforce Solutions career office which has experienced and trained staff available to assist you in getting a job, keeping a job or help you find a better job. These services and so more can be found on our website.
Thelisa Lavergne is a member of the Regional (Texas Gulf Coast) Navigator team for Workforce Solutions. She specializes in providing training and education to the Gulf Coast community, career staff offices, and employers in assisting individuals with disabilities. She brings with her over 10 years of experience and expertise working in the nonprofit industry serving Houston’s disadvantaged community; individuals and families experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic abuse, and individuals and families experiencing hunger. However, her greatest contribution to Workforce Solutions is her compassion, commitment, and dedication to serving others. She holds a M.A. in Organizational Management, a B.S. in Training and Development, B.S. in Counseling, and a Certification as a Personal Fitness Trainer.
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