Recently I was speaking with a co-worker whose youngest son is attending college. Last fall he needed some extra cash and dutifully looked for work; but like many at this time in our history, he was unsuccessful. Finally after some disappointment and frustration he decided to put out fliers to do yard work. Before long he and a friend were as busy as they wanted to be and making quite a bit more money than they would have in a job.
Remember, if you are out of work, perhaps what you REALLY need is not a job; but money and the things money can buy.
Many years ago I taught an intense six week seminar on finding a job, making money, and turning your life around. It was called the New Opportunities Workshop and averaged about 18 hours a week for six weeks. The workshop was developed initially for single adults with disabilities; but eventually included many single parents, all receiving financial assistance of some kind or another.
About half way through the workshop we would do an activity where everyone would brainstorm in small groups about ways they could bring in some extra cash. Just $50.00 in the next two weeks. There were no constraints and when the groups reconvened to share their ideas, they had thought of plenty of ways to make the money…invariably including some which were illegal. Brainstorming is supposed to be lighthearted and fun, opening the mind to possibilities, so that was OK.
After the brainstorming we issued a challenge and told everyone that if they could somehow make just an extra $50.00 (or more) in the next two weeks, without it being from a relative by doing something legal and ethical, we would match the $50.00 (if they made more we only matched the $50.00). Almost everyone found a way to bring in the extra $50.00. Some even created and grew small businesses out of the effort.
Through the course of the workshop, about 1/3 found employment, started a small business, or just found ways to bring in the money. About 1/3 ended up receiving some kind of disability assistance and about 1/3 moved, got married, or we just lost track of them. Of those who found ways to make money, many had never worked before. The activity opened their eyes and their minds to the possibilities and power of making money.
You can do the same thing. Get together with a small group of friends, or perhaps even just one other friend…or make comments below. Start brainstorming on things you could do to just bring in an extra $50.00. You don’t need to make it a big amount to start with, start at just $50.00. Then go do it. Give it some time to work. If it doesn’t work at all over the next couple weeks, try something else. Even in this rough economy, there are still things people want or want done, there is still some money out there to pay someone to do, make, or find and sell it, and perhaps you are the person who can fill than need…and make the money.
One more thing…sometimes you can even fill a need the other person doesn’t even know they have right now.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
SEVEN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES IN TIMES OF EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT
1. Continue to look for work. Devote at least some time every work day to finding employment.
2. Improve your job and interpersonal skills. This can be done through classes, reading, and/or additional experience (including volunteer work).
3. Volunteer. Spend some time every week volunteering someplace. This keeps you busy, helps you network and make additional contacts, and in many situations helps improve your employability by building additional skills. Volunteering also helps you to stay in the habit of going to work and sends a powerful message to your future employer, that you can get up, go to work, and get along.
4. Improve your resume, job finding, and interview skills. There are many free ways to do this, from articles you can read, to free classes, to getting with friends (preferably who have been in a position to interview people for employment) to practice interviews. Network and find out who knows about job openings.
5. Find something you can do on a part time basis to bring in even a little extra money. This helps to keep your mind sharp and creative and helps you to learn to think outside of the box. It also helps to have a little extra cash. Brainstorm with some friends about all the different legal ways you could bring in some extra money. Thousands of people have supplemented their income this way and many large businesses were started this way.
6. Do things to reduce your stress.
7. Become politically involved to help improve the economic climate without becoming obsessed.
2. Improve your job and interpersonal skills. This can be done through classes, reading, and/or additional experience (including volunteer work).
3. Volunteer. Spend some time every week volunteering someplace. This keeps you busy, helps you network and make additional contacts, and in many situations helps improve your employability by building additional skills. Volunteering also helps you to stay in the habit of going to work and sends a powerful message to your future employer, that you can get up, go to work, and get along.
4. Improve your resume, job finding, and interview skills. There are many free ways to do this, from articles you can read, to free classes, to getting with friends (preferably who have been in a position to interview people for employment) to practice interviews. Network and find out who knows about job openings.
5. Find something you can do on a part time basis to bring in even a little extra money. This helps to keep your mind sharp and creative and helps you to learn to think outside of the box. It also helps to have a little extra cash. Brainstorm with some friends about all the different legal ways you could bring in some extra money. Thousands of people have supplemented their income this way and many large businesses were started this way.
6. Do things to reduce your stress.
7. Become politically involved to help improve the economic climate without becoming obsessed.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Job Search? 4 Tips to Get a Great Job in a Big Hurry - CBS MoneyWatch.com
Job Search? 4 Tips to Get a Great Job in a Big Hurry - CBS MoneyWatch.com: "Frustrated by the miserable job picture? The good news is that even though things are bad, they’re picking up. The government recently reported that unemployment claims dropped below 400,000 for the first time since 2008"
Five job-search habits that are keepers
Five job-search habits that are keepers: "Habits can be a double-edged sword, some are great and others can be your worst enemy, keeping you from achieving your career dreams. This is a good time to look at your habits and jettison those that do not add depth to your career growth and enhance your job search.
When you think of a job search, think in terms of many pieces that are combined with a personalized touch to form your introduction. These include: Chemistry, work experience, and a communication style that makes you unique. While everyone has a unique job-search experience, there are core habits that create a solid foundation that every successful job seeker has in common."
When you think of a job search, think in terms of many pieces that are combined with a personalized touch to form your introduction. These include: Chemistry, work experience, and a communication style that makes you unique. While everyone has a unique job-search experience, there are core habits that create a solid foundation that every successful job seeker has in common."
Five job-search habits that are keepers
Five job-search habits that are keepers: "Habits can be a double-edged sword, some are great and others can be your worst enemy, keeping you from achieving your career dreams. This is a good time to look at your habits and jettison those that do not add depth to your career growth and enhance your job search.
When you think of a job search, think in terms of many pieces that are combined with a personalized touch to form your introduction. These include: Chemistry, work experience, and a communication style that makes you unique. While everyone has a unique job-search experience, there are core habits that create a solid foundation that every successful job seeker has in common."
When you think of a job search, think in terms of many pieces that are combined with a personalized touch to form your introduction. These include: Chemistry, work experience, and a communication style that makes you unique. While everyone has a unique job-search experience, there are core habits that create a solid foundation that every successful job seeker has in common."
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