Yes Virginia There Are STILL Jobs Out There

The question is “Are people willing to do what it takes to get them?”

Before you call me a crazy person, hear me out.  I know there are still many people who are unemployed and underemployed.  Our current unemployment rate is 8.6% – the number is decreasing, just not fast enough.  But this doesn’t mean jobs don’t exist.  For example, check out this post by Gad Levanon, Ph.D. from The Conference Board on labor shortages.  That’s right – in certain occupations and regions labor shortages exist. 

Gad’s post made me realize we might have to adjust our thinking where jobs are concerned.  We talk about the nature of work changing with technology, telework, etc.  Maybe we also need to expand our horizons when we think about the jobs we’re qualified for.  Is it possible the job we had 5 years ago doesn’t exist anymore, at least in the same form?

I know I’m dishing out some tough love over the holidays.  But what better time as we are reflecting upon the year and looking forward to what we want to accomplish in 2012 to take inventory on our careers.  Here are a few items to consider:

Relocation – Is it possible to get the job you want, you might need to move?  I know, I know…you say that you can’t afford to move.  The question is…can you afford not to?

Compensation and Benefits – Do you need to reconsider what you really need in terms of salary and benefits?  Or like in that scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, are you like Eddie and “holding out for a management position?”

Image – Should you stand on principle when a company asks if you will change your hair, cover your ink or only wear one earring at a time?

Knowledge – Are you willing to take a night class to brush up on your skill set?  I just saw an article where M.I.T. is offering free online courses.

While there is still a lot of work to be done toward improving our economy, it’s equally important to make sure we are doing everything we can do for ourselves to be in-demand in the marketplace.

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