Shifting Perspective in Job Search

This week, my job search gang is singing a new tune: "Adaptation." Those without jobs are adapting to the continuing bad economic news and conditions, and adjusting their expectations. Some are now willing to say yes to a job similar to what they had, others are developing consulting brochures and actively following up on leads for short-term gigs, while still others are lowering their price. Essentially, they are coming to terms with their very minimum "must haves" - a useful process for identifying core values and needs.

Coincidentally (not), there are a few articles being tweeted on Twitter that address this very topic.

The first is on temporary job assignments. Pros and cons are presented. Basically, if you need money now, go for it. Don't expect it to turn into a full-time gig because 75% don't. Continue searching for a full-time job during the temporary one. If you have a full-time job, consider staying for a while, because the temporary job won't turn into a full-time one.

The next article concerns part-time work. Written in December 2008 - before the big job loss numbers appeared - this article basically says there probably is part-time work out there, if you are willing to work freelance and part-time. So expand your horizons, make a little money, and spend your two-three days off looking for full-time work. Or, cobble together a few part-time gigs to make a full-time one. Yes, you'll have to pay your own taxes and find health insurance. However, you'll also be able to pay for rent or mortgage, food, fuel, utilities.

Finally, Wall Street Journal Blogs and Wall Street Journal Careers discuss volunteering as a way for the out-of-work to keep busy, do good, and develop both new skills and networks. Bottom line: if you have time on your hands, do something to help others in a field you care about and may want to work in. Caveat: loads of people are trying to do the same thing, so you need to approach volunteering like a job search. Distinguish yourself from the others by finding something special you can do with a minimum of supervision. Get into the charity through another volunteer, especially a Board member.

I know a lot about non-profits and volunteering, so contact me for more suggestions on how to volunteer. Also go to New York Cares for information on volunteering in NYC and links to volunteer organizations throughout the country.