subject: Making The Best Of These Difficult Economic Times [print this page] In a climate of financial uncertainty is very common for people to worry about unemployment. If you have already lost a job, then you will face the long road towards finding new employment and if you are still working then you are probably concerned about job security. In fact, when the news is constantly pounding us with images of factory closures, Wall Street volatility and companies reducing their budgets it is understandable to be nervous. The key to surviving these uncertain times is to avoid being controlled by our fears and concerns. While worrying never solved a problem, knowing that does not stop this most natural of human reactions. How can we control our concerns so they do not spiral out of control and immobilize us?
Stress Management
First of all you need to take stock of the situation and create a list of action items to prepare for the changes that you may be required to deal with. Act now, even if this turns out to somehow have been useless later, it usually will help reduce or banish all the stress and worry of 'not knowing'. For example, although you may still have a job. take the time to update and polish your resume will make sure that if you need to find a new job you are ready to hit the ground running. Taking training courses is another type of action that could serve as insurance against stress. It only makes sense that the learning of new techniques, will help you by creating positive thoughts and attitudes.
When One Door Closes Another Opens
There is an old saying that when one door closes another opens and that is never more true then in business. Recessions can have a devastating effect on the unemployment rate and other undertakings, but many new ideas can actually find a place to blossom in this climate. If that means restructuring that fosters new growth in an existing company, or the ability to offer extend training and reorientation, then the action will pay dividends when the economy turns again.
Take Inventory, Take Action.
We cannot control the overall economy but we can take positive steps to prepare ourselves for any eventuality. We can learn new techniques that will make us more effective and valuable in our current jobs. Having these skills in our job repertoire will make us more attractive to prospective employers in any economic climate. We can ensure that our resumes adequately reflect our skills and experience and we can focus on finding the hidden opportunities around us. In the end run the differences between opportunity and misfortune are less than you might think. Take stock and then take action. You will then be able to leave the worry and the sleepless nights to others.
