Not a day goes by without reports of some company (or companies) laying off employees, cutting services or closing down completely. We all know far too many people who are desperately seeking a job or on terrified of being next on the chopping block.
Looking at this morning’s job loss report, there doesn’t seem to be a single industry that has been spared. While some industries are experiencing gentle nudges (nursing/medical, pharma), others are feeling the recession like a ton of bricks.
Financial analysts seem to agree that we haven’t hit bottom. In fact, we still have quite a ways to go. The new Obama Administration and other government officials are trying to put systems in to place to halt the hemorrhage. Yet, the kicks keep on coming!
As a development professional at a public charity, I am concerned. Yet, many direct service agencies are holding steady, while foundations and other non profits are starting to seriously feel the crunch. I feel increasingly helpless, particularly as more friends take their place in the unemployment line.
While I don’t have any concrete solutions to the present, disastrous job market, I know that there is one thing that we can all do…..
….watch out for each other. As the economic forecast worsens, we need to pull together, as a community, to support each other. We should be doing this anyway, but it is particularly vital in this environment.
Some suggestions:
If your company is still hiring, pass along the information. Post it in your blog, on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., and send an email to your network. We spend so much time building our social networking capacity. Let’s put it to work.
If you have experience in resume and cover letter writing, offer your assistance. A second set of eyes can make a world of difference. I often miss small errors, especially after working on several drafts.
Offer to serve as a reference. You don’t have to have been someones superior in order to provide an effective reference. Collaborations, whether professional or on a volunteer basis, provide you as much insight into an individuals’ work habits, as supervising the individual does.
If you are in a position that allows you to make vendor decisions at your current position – web design, printing, professional development, temporary staffing – make sure to keep people in your network in mind. Pass on the love!
If you are fortunate enough to have a job, consider giving to local direct service agencies – soup kitchens, food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescues, senior centers, etc. If we learned anything from the recent election, it’s that every little bit counts. Your $5 donation can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.
If your birthday is coming up, encourage your friends to donate to your favorite local charity (fellow blogger, Rosetta Thurman led the pack recently on this brilliant idea).
….and lastly, make sure to take care of yourself – physically, emotionally, spiritually AND financially.
Rosetta Thurman » The Friday Four: Links to End the Week 1.30.09 said...
1[...] Kathrin Ivanovic offers advice to help us look out for each other during a time of job losses: Mobilize Your Network to Pay it Forward [...]
01/30/09 5:48 AM | Comment Link