Sometimes, we have to sacrifice what we love for the best. I wasn’t ready to separate from my downtown residence and signed a 6 month lease I probably won’t be able to afford later. I’ve saved enough money to last me for the next three months at least (in regards to rent and bills), but after that, I better have a job or I’ll have something to really worry about. I’ve had to cut back on going out to my favorite restaurants, watching movies at the theatre, shopping, concerts and traveling. These were luxuries I could afford over the past few years, but now I have to resist the urge. I know it sounds like I have it easy right now but I’m trying to play it smart and prepare for the worst.
A lot of people I know have lost their positions in the past couple of months. The economy is worse than we first thought. The outlook on opportunities out there is bleak and job board postings are minimal. I’ve been keeping myself busy building and writing content for two sites I’ve created: noworktimes.com and dallasisdelicious.com. It helps me jog those creative brain cells and gives me something to look forward to when I wake up in the morning. I really enjoy it and the activity gives me satisfaction that I’m doing something good for the community. I’m a big believer in karma and I’ve experienced many times over “what goes around, comes around”. I hope that I learn more valuable skills relevant to my career path along the way and that my work will pay off in a new job somewhere. It’s easy to get discouraged and worry about the future everyday, but only one person can guide your life direction. The self fulfilling prophecy works every time and I’m training myself to think with a glass-half-full attitude. It’s working so far.
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economy
work
So…I’ve been working on a personal project of mine since the beginning of this year. It came to fruition when I first got laid off due to the economy in February from my PR agency. At the time, I knew I wasn’t the only one suffering a job loss and there were thousands of people going through the same thing everyday. A lightbulb went off in my head and I decided to start a website dedicated to helping people who have been affected by the economy. I wanted to write about tips and inspirational strategies that help others stay motivated and optimistic. Losing your job can be a loss of identity sometimes and it hits home hard: literally and emotionally. We have to keep our heads up and keep seeking out bigger and better opportunities. If we have to settle temporarily to get by and get bills paid, that’s ok. Eventually, the right time and opportunity will come that will leave us in better shape. Check it out: feel free to add suggestions, comments or requests.
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no work times
economy
blog
I’ve recently experienced first hand the power of social media in my personal life. As a professional in the industry, I’m familiar with its relevance and significance for people and companies everywhere, everyday. I just never thought it would be the most crucial and pivotal instrument for my career path right now.
I’m just another victim of today’s economy and was laid off from my employer Friday February the 13th. A dozen others or so from my previous company were given the ax the same time as well. I’ve been laid off before a couple of years ago but it was even different back then. The only sources for my job search were Craigslist, Monster, Careerbuilder and recruiters. Twitter didn’t exist and LinkedIn was unknown to most of society. Here and now, those two social networks are the channels that have saved my ass.
The first thing I did when I was let go was to DM all my followers on Twitter in search of job opportunities. I was pleasantly surprised at how many responded back with condolences and leads. After all, 60% of those I follow I only know by pseudo-name and of whom I’ve never met in person. I felt overwhelmed that these strangers were willing to lend a hand; in the offline world it would have been different.
LinkedIn is truly a sophisticated and professional network. In contrast to Twitter, I received several emails and opportunities from companies and executives who were looking for me. They say LinkedIn is the current leading tool for recruiters to find employees, and I feel grateful that there are colleagues and companies out there reaching out to me.
I’m very thankful of the people I’m associated with both virtually and physically who appreciate the presence and power of social media. There’s no doubt that this growing digital trend is essential to career development and networking for professionals in today’s modern society. There’s plenty of opportunities and despite the economic downturn, there’s no other industry I’d rather be a part in. I hope to land a big gig soon.
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social media
economy
