This years big note was the Nobel Prize and that  guy who did nothing (yet) to be worthy of this once prestigious award.

Likewise the Oregonian always runs a human interest story about hard times which  features a whinny 20 something and the big life story about since graduating college (three weeks ago) life has dealt a cruel blow  because they did not get the ‘BIG’ job and they have to work at the mall…this must be poverty!

Well, shame on me…I was pleasantly surprised when I opened todays paper and in the HOW WE LIVE section was a story and comments from REAL People that have experienced set backs this year but in review are still grateful for what they have and hopeful for the New Year. That hope really had nothing to do with the guy who won the prize either!

Here are a few Quotes. I found them very enlightening and uplifting.

Mary Sojourner, Bend

“Those of us who have lived on or below the poverty line for decades-through a commitment to sustainability, and the greater community of living creatures-are living as we have always lived: buy little, mend, recycle, share, and help each other make it through.”

Jim Allen, Tigard

“I never thought I’d see the day when I no longer worked for pay.

My wife’s two jobs won’t let us crumble

Which sure as shootin’ keeps me humble.

Enforced retirement’s not for babies..No if’s, ands, sortas, buts, or maybes!”

Lois Huffman, Tigard

Divorce. From 5,250 to 840 Square feet. From white-collar to Blue. From slim to fat. From young to old. From Player to observer. Not hungry, Not lonely. Not cold, No one shooting at me. Still have breath, books,friends,trees,smiles,music,hugs. Still Grateful.”

Elissa Tomasini, Aloha (Husband lost his job and Mother died of cancer 2009)

“This can happen to anybody…We are not sinking, but all it takes is a few more medical problems. You have to do things differently. I am looking for work, something I haven’t done befor…But I still go back to this: I have everything I want. I feel connected spiritually. I feel Stable. I have my family, which in the end, is all you really want.”

I wish them all the happiest of New Years.

If you are currently unemployed, then you fall into two categories:

1st     You have unemployment benefits and a little breathing room…or

2nd   You have been denied,don’t qualify or just plain desperate for money to survive…or

Well I guess there are 3 categories, You are independently wealthy ..maybe living off a relative or significant other…

If you are in category 2 then I advise you to take the first employment opportunity that comes along..yes that means the “mall job!” and be happy in the work and grateful for the opportunity.

If you are category 1 or other, you have a little wiggle room and some time to “shop” for an employment opportunity.

No matter what your financial situation, and remember a job is just a financial situation, you should take the time to know “WHO YOU ARE even if you are currently employed but would like to cahnge careers or just your job environment.

One way to start that can be both fun and insightful are personality and career tests. There are a variety of these that can help you figure out what type of “Job” you are best suited for and that you would enjoy and find perhaps some fulfilment. Career tests measure abilities, skills, and personality traits. Use these as tools for setting goals, not absolutes. Some of these  tests are not scientific and all are not perfect indicators…simply starting points.

Types of Tests:

Career Inventories: Matches your interests with possible occupations

Career Tests: Helps determine what type of position is suitable for your personality type.

Career Personality Tests: Analyzes the type of personality you have and connects it with possible related career options.

Aptitude Tests: Gauges your ability to do a certain job or your ability to gain the skills to do the job.

*****************************************************************

Examples of tests you may find helpful:

Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator – determines your personality type

Strong Interest Inventory-matches your interests to possible careers

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter-Analyzes your temperament and tells if you are and Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, or Rational.

Some free career test, including some just for fun are:

Color Quiz: www.colorquiz.com

Is this the right career for me quiz: http://about.com/careerplanning/occupationquiz

Monster’s Discover Your Perfect Career Quiz: http://tools.monster.com/perfectcareer

The Princeton Review Career Quiz: www.princetonreview.com/cte/quiz/career_quiz1.asp

What’s Your Circus Skill: www.ringling.com/activity/aptitude

Sometimes we change jobs because we want to and other times…well, the choice is made for us. In either case, take time to prepare for your search and put the resources in place before you start.

Mise En Place – a fancy French word for getting all the ingredients ready before you start to cook! This is how professional cooks stay organized, saving time and effort, and making sure they are not missing an essential ingredient, or something is burning on the stove while you are off chopping vegetables!

It’s the same for the Job Seeker. Looking for work is stressful so it is important to have the right “ingredients” and “tools” in place before you start:

• Prepare a resume
• References in order
• Proper equipment (phone, computer, fax, ect)

PREPARING YOUR RESUME I will start this series by dissecting the “Resume” and all the ingredients you will need to prepare a  Tasty Resume!

One of the most important tools in your Job Search is your resume. Whether you prepare it yourself or use a professional resume writing service, you will need to inventory your information.

Transferable Skills: These are the skills you have learned in one job that can be used in another. It could be a similar job, or work that is completely different. If your skills are generic enough, they can be “transported” between jobs, companies, and even industries.  These skills can be learned in other ways outside the workplace, by volunteering, extra curricular school activities, or hobbies.

List of Transferable Skills:

1. decision making
2. management and leadership skills
3. meeting Deadlines
4. goal Setting
5. mechanical/technical skills
6. problem solving
7. research and planning
8. verbal communication
9. written communication
10. computer skills

To assess your transferable skills, look at what you have done. Make a list of jobs you have held, volunteer activities, school projects, and community service. Include church and summer jobs.

Everyone has these skills. We use them in our daily lives and it’s simply a question of figuring out what they are, then using them to define what you bring to a potential employer.

And your mentally screaming…What could possibly be worse than to be without income? (well, lots could be…) but really now, there is no BEST in losing your employment, livelihood, and self-esteem.

In  fairness, I think most folks are at a loss as to an appropriate comment at these moments. Its kind of like being confronted with a friends divorce or worse, a death… we’re all guilty, from time to time,of opening mouth and putting in foot  – when what your friend really needs is your ‘presence in the moment’ and perhaps a hug.

Loss of a job, whether you liked the work or not, is a death of sorts. An end to a relationship with co-workers – an end to a familiar routine – and of course – my all time favorite – an end to your income. An appropriate grieving period is in order. I mean the whole process..shock, denial, sadness, depression, anger, and then acceptance of what is not in your control.

Hopefully when you reach this stage you will find kindness for yourself – forgiveness of those who have wronged you and an energy to start fresh and dive into the best project of all…you.

My period is over with the exception of those brief moments of insanity. It lasted 6 weeks, and even though I have counseled hundreds of clients through the process, I found myself just as paralyzed as the folks sitting at my desk!

I started this Blog for support and exchange of ideas and knowledge with anyone who needs support in changing careers, seeking employment, or recovering from the dramatic life changes experienced in job loss.

Lets face the music – some things will never be the same and Job Seekers need to prepare for a whole new world.

Some rules of employment will remain unchanged, but for the most part we need to foster the ability to LEARN…UNLEARN…and RELEARN in a fast paced, competitive environment. You will hear a lot about skilling-up at state and agency employment departments but you may need assistance to maneuver through complicated bureaucracies to locate the opportunities and funds to accomplish your skill quest.