You're Clear to Land !!

The Psychological Aspects Of Losing A Job

2009-05-04T13:12:00.009-04:00

Kathy Borrelli recently was a guest speaker on The New England Job Show where she spoke on the psychological aspects of losing a job. This article is a followup to that presentation. She has a Master's in Psychology. During the past 20 years she have combined her clinical background with her consulting experience towards helping organizations manage change, leadership development, team building and strategic planning.

For more information: visit Kathy's linkedin profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyborrelli

The Psychological Aspects Of Losing A Job
By Kathy Borrelli,

Pretty much anywhere you go you will run into people freaking out because
1- They’ve just been laid off;
2- They are afraid they will be laid off;
3-They’ve been laid off for a while and can’t find a job.

Most of us went off to work in an age where we thought that if we did our job well, we’d get promoted again and again; and then someday retire with a nice paid-up retirement plan. Clearly, the game has changed. That sense of security and control ended abruptly not too long ago.

Getting laid off is traumatic. I was recently laid off from a job I had held for barely 10 months. I knew I was doing a good job under very challenging circumstances, so when I was told without notice that I was working my last day, I was stunned.

My first reaction was to call my boss to try to find the reason. The response I got was something like the wording on credit card notices that states that “times have changed, and we have had to make adjustments”.
Obviously that didn’t explain much nor make me feel any better.

I felt helpless, rejected, betrayed, lost and very soon, depressed.
It should be noted that therapists rank job loss among the highest in stress-causing situations – right up there with divorce, serious illness and death in the family.

We are so identified with what we do. ”What do you do?” is one of the first things we ask someone - even at a social event.
It’s easy to lose your identity in a job, so when you lose a job, along goes your sense of self, your self-esteem. It may be hard, but you have to remind yourself that your job is only one aspect of who you are. You are also someone with friends, interests, family, ideas and feelings. You still have all those things even when you lose a job. After losing a job (or even in anticipation that it could happen) it’s critical to reinforce your sense of personal identity and control in your life.

Martha Finney, who wrote the book “Rebound” reminded me that “It’s time to define yourself by what impassions you, not who employs you”. Job loss or threatened job loss can be an impetus to reaffirm personal values and a sense of purpose. Finney goes on to say” Your identity is expressed by your values, life’s purpose, and the activities you do to support those things.”

If you have lost your job( or are afraid that it will happen soon), try to keep in mind the following:

You are human. It’s natural for humans to have feelings. Losing a job can make you feel scared, angry, confused, helpless; lost. These feelings do NOT mean you are crazy.

Remind yourself that you have just endured a major loss and you need time to recover before you move on. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time and support to heal.

Force yourself, if necessary, to continue and increase doing the things that you love and make you feel good about yourself. Be a friend. Take care of your body by exercising and eating well. Enjoy those activities that you’ve been too busy working to enjoy -like reading a good book, or taking your nieces to the zoo.

Stay connected with people who can support you and whose company you enjoy.

Take a long look at what inspires and energizes you and give yourself permission to fantasize how these activities might translate into a job or new career.

Reaffirm your dreams and ambitions. Use this time to clarify what’s really important to you.

Remind yourself again and again that even though you may feel battered and rejected by your job loss, there are people and situations out there in the world that will welcome what you have to offer.

Then, there are practical things that need attending to.

1. Assess your financial situation. How long can you live on your savings? What can you cut back on? Do you have resources to borrow from?

2. Check out your unemployment status and your options for health insurance.

3. Consider a career change and investigate subsidized educational and retraining options.

Above all, be gentle with yourself!

Times have changed and we will all need patience to adjust to the new outer insecurities of this new world.

How to find a job when no one's hiring...

2009-03-31T08:58:00.002-04:00

I just picked up this article on Yahoo news. This is some pretty logical advice so be sure to click here for the story.

It's all about personality

2009-03-01T14:40:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder why some people seem to excel at a job while you or others flounder? Maybe your job doesn't fit your personality. I for one seem to fall into this category and this link will help you channel your personality towards a better fitting career. What's your personality type?

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

The Art of Schmoozing

2009-02-16T08:09:00.004-05:00

Here's a interesting article that merrits a post. The Guy Kawasaki Theory of Schmoozing version 1.0 is an interesting overview that has particular importance in the new job markets.

Read more about: "How to Change the World: The Art of Schmoozing" - http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/02/the_art_of_schm.html#ixzz07HUcT4As

Coming To A Cable Station near You - How To Get A Job

2009-02-07T18:57:00.005-05:00

The Merrmack Valley Rotary is sponsoring and creating a television show to help people who are unemployed find work.

The show will be manned by people who are unemployed and will feature experts in the job hunting process giving valuable tips on the challenges that the unemployed face. The show will also give individuals who are unemployed the opportunity to give a 30 second free commercial about themselves in the hopes that an employer will find them and hire them.

The show will be taped locally and will be shared with cable stations throughout the area. There will be two half hour shows each month that will be aired several times throughout the month.

Shown is a picture from the first planning session at the Chelmsford TV studio, where the show will be produced. Matt Scott, station manager, is shown giving the crew an overview of TV show production.

For more information contact mvrotary@gmail.com.

Feeling Down?? You're not alone!

2009-02-03T16:51:00.012-05:00

Feeling down about your job search? Seems like we're not alone in this. I ran across this video on Yahoo and thought I'd share it here. Check out this video from Japan http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=11888298

The Magic of Thinking BIG

2009-02-03T16:51:00.011-05:00

We all read books that at times give us some cause for introspection and sometimes not. Here's a book that's a must read if your interested in making most of your career, maximizing your earnings potential and being appreciated for all of your talents. Get what life owes you and you deserve. This is an uplifting sensible approach for thinking big.

Your searching in all the wrong places...

2009-02-03T16:51:00.003-05:00

I just picked up this audio clip from a member of the Acton Networkers. The interview with the 5 O'Clock club is right on point. The heart of the message begins at 31:30 and puts into perspective the right ways and places to look for work. Here's the URL http://download.kcrw.com/audio/55752/tp_2009-01-28-162642.mp3 You really need to hear this interview.

Tips For Job Hunting

2009-02-01T12:25:00.002-05:00

Accomplishment Statements Spice Up Your Resume

2009-01-28T22:11:00.006-05:00

In a resume writing class I recently took at the local Career Center I learned how to best write Accomplishment Statements in your resume.

Accomplishment are your special projects or ideas at your present or past job that helped resolve a problem or need for the company. Accomplishments are the key items that set you puts your above the rest of the job seekers.

For example: the idea you had that brought in new sales; or the program you created that help save the company money; or the restructure you implemented for the filing system that improved efficiency. Those are your accomplishments.

How do you write Accomplishment Statements in your resume? What is the formula? Think of the letters PAR. P stands for Problem. A stands for Action. R stands for Results. Accomplishment statements should include information about the Problem, the Actions you took and the Results of your Actions.

For example: The Problem was that the company was spending too much money. The Acton was that you came up with a way to use less paper. The Result was that you saved the company $5,000 a month.

Put that together n a paragraph form in that order. Throw in some action verbs. And make sure it is written well and then you have an Accomplishment Statement that will spice up your resume!

Quit to get ahead

2009-01-27T20:04:00.003-05:00

I recently read Seth Godin's book called The Dip which puts some elements of success into perspective. He goes onto explain how quiting the unimportant activities in your life will allow you to achieve beyond what you thought wasn't possible.

Seth has written many books and this is one you should read. This isn't a burden as the book is only 70 pages. The other good news is that it's available at your local library. Check it out!

A Good Job Interview Takes A Lot Of Work...But It Is Worth It!

2009-01-27T18:21:00.004-05:00

Throughout my career, the best interviews I had were those in which I went to the interview prepared to talk about how I could make the company more successful.

I did my homework ahead of time. I researched the company. I learned about the company's strengths and weaknesses. And I uncovered some of the company's needs..... and I worked out a proposal addressing how I would help them meet those needs.

Time consuming? Yes! A lot of work? Yes. But the results were so positive, it was worth all the effort and the time I put into it!

A recent article on the web site: Ask The Headhunter,....does a great job addressing just that point....The article says: "Your worth is what makes an employer want to hire you. Your worth is determined by the value you offer the employer. That means you have to take the initiative in your job hunt. An employer cannot extract value from you -- you must offer it. You can only offer value if you know what is valuable to the employer. That means a lot of research up front, before you approach any employer. "

For the complete article visit the web site: http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/basics5.htm

What Are The Top Paying Jobs?

2009-01-18T12:40:00.005-05:00

According to the governments career web site, Careeronestop: http://www.careeronestop.org/ these are the top 25 paying jobs based on annual salaries. Click on the job name for more information......

TOP 25 PAYING JOBS

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $145,600+
Anesthesiologists $145,600+
Chief Executives $145,600+
Family and General Practitioners $145,600
Internists, General $145,600+
Orthodontists $145,600+
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons $145,600+
Orthodontists $145,600+
Physicians and Surgeons, All Other $145,600+
Prosthodontists $145,600+
Psychiatrists $145,600+
Surgeons $145,600+
Pediatricians, General $140,700
Dentists, General $137,600
Air Traffic Controllers $112,900
Engineering Managers $111,000
Podiatrists $110,500
Computer and Information Systems Managers $108,100
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $107,200
Lawyers $106,100
Dentists, All Other Specialists $105,400
Marketing Managers $104,400
Natural Sciences Managers $104,000
Petroleum Engineers $104,000
Pharmacists $100,500

Get the word out

2009-01-18T08:13:00.005-05:00

I visited the Acton Newtowking Group Friday which was quite illuminating. If you haven't been to this group you should make time to visit their weekly session. The group is not specific to any work discipline and everyone is welcome. The event is well run and attended. Everyone makes lots of great contributions, and there are lots of great ideas. Most importantly - get the word out if you're looking for work.

The event is held every Friday at the United Methodist Church in West Acton, from 10am to 12pm. Donation of $1 is requested to fray the cost of coffee and pastry. If you're looking for work, check this group out.

How To Get Resume Postingsr Working For You!

2009-01-17T16:44:00.009-05:00

Resume Posting Tip!

What I learned at the networking meeting this week.......I wanted to know about resume postings.. I wanted to know how to increase my chances that recruiters and companies would find my resume. I was told to read the job ads in the job category in my target career. Then to write down the buzz words used in those ads and to try to work them into my resume. Also, I was told to re post my resume at least once a month if not once a week. I made changes to my resume postings that afternoon!

Feel Overwhelmed In Your Job Hunt....Get Help!

2009-01-17T11:15:00.003-05:00

When I started my job hunt, I said: " I have done this before, I know what I am doing." Three weeks into the process I realized that it was much more of a challenge than I ever dreamed. So, I stopped everything and started to read and learn everything I could. With so many people looking for work, I realized that I needed to be a step ahead of the crowd.

Education On The Web

As I am sure you have found, there is so much information on the web today about job hunting, You can be overwhelmed. But I came across the a site that pulls a lot of the information together in an organized fashion. It is called: http://www.job-hunt.org/ And I highly recommend it. Each day I go into this site and learn something new.

Education In Groups

And one of the best ideas I came across was to join a Networking Group. I found two in my area that specialize in job hunting. I have attended both and I am already learning so much. I feel much better. And with that in mind, it is also theropudic to be with a group of good people who are going through the same thing you are. If you have not attended a networking group in your area yet, I highly recommend it.

Education At Career Centers

The other free opportunity to learn is at your local Career Centers (Unemployment Centers). They offer courses on so many areas now, and they are all free. And the good news is that you do not have to be collecting unemployment to attend. In fact, you don't even have to be unemployed.

So, you are not alone in this process. There is much out there to help you.

Worlds Best Job !

2009-01-13T20:00:00.003-05:00

In case you missed it. The bureau of tourism is seeking a caretaker for Hamilton Island. Part of a tourism plot to drum up business, they are paying approximately $100,000 usd for this 6 month assignment. Here's an article posted that goes into greater detail http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24902129-662,00.html

As of 9am EST, there were over 200,000 applications recieved, but don't worry. The application close date runs another 40 days. Good luck !

Numbers are in..

2009-01-12T13:44:00.004-05:00

We have all the numbers in for the various venues. After our club meeting Wednesday we will decide on the location of the Networking event. The next step is to create a contact list of invitees that will round out the evening.

Location, Location, Location

2009-01-09T17:45:00.002-05:00

We're getting closer to finding a location to kick off the first Newtorking event. In the running are "Moonstones" and the "Best Western" in Chelmsford as well as "The Regency" and the "Westford Grille" in Westford. All locations have what we need but it boils down to price. The goal is to keep this event as free from cost as possible while providing a great space to converse.

Interest in this event grows with every conversation which leads us to believe this will be a resounding success. We should have the location nailed down next week and to begin advertising. Stay tuned!

Another good site to review

2009-01-08T09:13:00.002-05:00

Thanks Ken for forwarding the Job-Hunt site. The URL is http://www.job-hunt.org . This site can help you find additional network groups in your area as well as offer some tips to narrow down your skills and search. I've made a link on the sidebar as well. Check it out.

What Job Is Right For You? Get The Answer!

2009-01-07T18:02:00.008-05:00

So you are looking for a job but you don't know what job best matches you skills and abilities. You can stop wondering!

I found the site that is going to help you.

The US government has created a web site called Career One Stop. On that site you can take test that will help you assess what job is right for you . http://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/SelfAssessments/FindAssessments.aspx

My profession was on the list, but there were several surprises on the list also!

Moving Forward...

2009-01-07T09:36:00.003-05:00

We kicked the idea of a monthly networking evening around at our meeting this morning. There was strong support of the idea and we're moving forward with idea. Tentative plans are for an initial kick off event on January 19th at a location to be defined this week. Email invites will be going out to Rotarians within the next week to announce the idea and location.

Well be posting the location here and publicising the event as best possible before then. Got a business, need a job, or just want to get in to the main stream?? Stay tuned and stop bye for a cocktail. You never know who you'll meet or what can happen!

Learning To Live With The Not So Pretty Text Resume

2009-01-06T17:23:00.006-05:00

So many jobs opening now require you to send your resume in text format. It frustrates me because text format makes your resume look so disorganized.

But I have found that once you get over your frustrations and try to work with its limitations you can still make it a viable for you.

Certainly you have to eliminate all indents and bullets. That is basic. Here are some other tips I found on a web site called CV Tips http://www.cvtips.com/job_seekers_advice.html

Text Resume Tips :

Use capital letters instead of bold fonts.

Use the * symbol instead of bullet points.

Avoid using curly brackets - use single or double quotes instead.

Omit all hard returns. This has to be done throughout your entire Resume. Do not use hard returns in the middle of a paragraph. This means do not press the enter key unless you have finished typing the paragraph. To help you with you this, choose the menu format and the option 'word wrap'.

Send the resume by email to yourself before sending it to a potential employer. That way you can see how the email software will display it and you'll have the chance to improve any mistakes

Networking Rules

2009-01-06T16:35:00.005-05:00

Networking has always been a key ingredient to any job search. But in this economy I have found networking to be the most effective tool to finding a job

I found that you can answer all the job ads you find, but keep there are hundreds of other people also responding to those same ads.

With networking, you have created a team of sales people who are keeping their eyes and ears open for you. And may times, they hear about the openings before anybody else does. That puts the odds in your favor.

I found these lists on a site for the Network Service and Consulting Corporation. http://www.enetsc.com/

Here is a list of possible contacts for your network:
Family friends
Local politicians
Relatives
Journalists
Neighbors
Business executives
Professors
Non-profit directors
Alumni
Your physician
Former employees
Your hair dresser
Former co-workers
Prominent community members
Public relations officials
Members of professional organizations

Here are locations you can go to in order to find people to network with:
Local alumni association
Conventions
Class reunions
Club meetings
Cocktail parties
Internet list-servs
Fundraisers
Volunteer opportunities
Business conferences
Continuing education classes

Interesting outlook on where the jobs are

2009-01-06T13:28:00.001-05:00

I found this article online today, thought it might be interesting for those of us looking for work. http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2008/12/11/the-30-best-careers-for-2009.html?s_cid=rss:the-30-best-careers-for-2009