Retracing My Steps

I claim this knowledge and opinions by virtue of the fact that I have retraced the steps of my life.  Granted, there are many steps of my life to retrace.  In other words, I have lived for many years.  I think that it is normal for a person to look back at their life, analyze it and attempt to point out mistakes or regrets.  It just so happens that I am taking the extra step of writing about my past and allowing people to see what I see.   Here are some of what I found out the hard way about establishing a career (or the lack thereof).

1.  Do not leave high school without a diploma and a plan.  I had the diploma, but no plan.

2.  If you get a decent job, set goals describing what you will do next.  More education may be an option.   My own goals were too vague.

3.  Even if you are not happy with a job, stay at least one year to establish a good work history.   Employers get real picky about those perceived to be job hoppers.

4.  Be careful about taking jobs that do not fit in with your career track.  This is a hard thing to  comply with because sometimes you just need the income.

5.  In additon to getting more education, consider starting a part time business.  This is your insurance policy against a job layoff.

These points are just some of what I look at when I retrace the steps of my life.  Although I cannot undo anything, I am happy to share my experiences with others.  Even when you feel that you have made wrong decisions in life, it helps if you use the experience as a chance to learn what to do better next time, or to help others.
I found that retracing the steps of my life proved to be a valuable experience.

Being Older, Unemployable and Broke

Let's focus on being older, unemployable and broke as it relates to the current job market.  Older is defined as over age fifty in the job market.  Just ask anyone who has been looking for work and not getting any positive responses.  This is not to say that it is an across the board situation because many people do find work even if they are older.  However, as the clock ticks it can be more challenging to get work as an older person.  In addition, it depends on your skill level.   It seems that if you apply for unskilled jobs, you have a better chance of being hired.  For example, if you had previously done secretarial work and you decide to apply for a home health provider job, you have a good chance of getting that job.  Why is that true?   I think it is because home health care providers go into the homes of elderly, frail people to keep that person out of a nursing home.   An older worker can better relate to another older person and the client will probably trust someone closer to their own age.  Also, not to bash young people, but sometimes they do not have the patience, maturity, good judgement or integrity to work in the home of a venerable older person.  I am saying all of this to say that for the former secretary, this type of job may be the only job that they can get due to the competition in the job market.  We have all heard it stated that many people may not be able to retire at age sixty-five much less earlier.  Older people, like other population groups,  have to find ways to survive while the cost-of-living continues to increase.  Working longer will work for many people provided that they have a job in the first place.  Looking for a job so that you can keep working is another story.  I think that being older, unemployable and broke can be overcome with some creative thinking.  Some of those creative ways include downsizing your standard of living, living with other people, or becoming self-employed can be done by anyone so motivated.  In addition, some cities have job or training programs for those over 55 that pay minimum wage for a part time commitment.   This is a solution as long as you can work since work is said to keep you healthy.  Self-employment, or a major business project is also desirable with the intention of making money for the future.  A job is okay as long as you can do it, but what about when you can no longer work?  That is why I mentioned a major, joint, business project to implement while you can still participate.  Let me explain.  If a few people could get together and start some type of enterprise, it would be beneficial for all.  A group home or some type of franchise comes to mind.  Pardon me for thinking outside of the box, but if you are older, unemployable and broke, you have to do something out of the ordinary to make a difference.   Don't forget about the historical example of late bloomers who became successful later in life.  Those include Alberta Hunter, Grandma Moses, and Colonel Sanders to name a few.  Anything is better than being older, unemployable and broke.

Solutions to Unemployment

There are solutions to the unemployment crisis that we are all overlooking.  Those with the most at stake must look at solutions to change their futures.   I will talk about some of the solutions as I see it.  Many people come to the conclusion that it is necessary to get more education.  This is a good answer for many as long as the proper research is done.  It is a waste of time and money to get training in a field that is on the decline.  Look at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) job outlook data in addition to other research that you should do.  The second solution to unemployment may involve moving to another part of the country where jobs are easier to find.  Again, this strategy requires doing thorough research beforehand.  Many details have to be worked out including housing, the  actual job search and interviewing before you decide to move.  A friend or relative  living in the new location may be able to help with your research.  Starting a business is solution number three and requires educating yourself on what this solution entails.  Most cities have agencies dedicated to small business training and can prove to be an invaluable resource.  Lastly, my final solution to unemployment is for the government to create job programs until the economy improves which requires Democrats and Republicans to agree on such an action.  Most people cannot and should not wait for politicians to wake up.  Put your future in your own hands.

When You Cannot Find Work

When you cannot find work after looking for about a year, you have to consider other options.  You may think about obtaining additional training or becoming self-employed.  Most people cannot afford to sit idle and wait to be rescued by a hypothetical government job program.  With so many people in need of a job, it becomes a bigger challenge to find work.  This is especially true for unskilled workers who may need to seriously look at alternatives to regular employment.  Even though self-employment is a viable option for many, you have to be willing to work hard and be extremely motivated to own a business.
To get ideas for a business you can look at what you love doing, or natural talents that you possess.  Also, look at the demands of the marketplace.  Right now we know that health care is in demand and many new jobs are opening up.  Look at your own neighborhood for ideas.  By observing problems in your community, you could create an organization to address those needs and possibly get funding to carry out your plans.
If you think that money is an obstacle in your business venture, you are right.  However, this obstacle can be overcome.  Buy what you need only when you have to.  Buy office equipment second hand.  Even though under capitalized businesses can be endangered, do your homework on how other people have started businesses with little money.  Talk to family or friends for financial support and to help with your business  activities.  When you cannot find work in this economy, you have to set aside time to grieve your loss.  After that you have to draw from your inner strength to continue doing whatever it takes to move ahead.  Do not give up on your future when you cannot find work because you can be successful in a new venture.  Persistence is your friend on the road to life after unemployment.

The Unemployed Need Help

Unemployed people need some immediate, meaningful, help.  Some of the help presently available is temporary as in unemployment benefits.   No one out of work wishes to have a lifestyle change that includes handouts instead of a decent paying job.  They say that doing the same thing and expecting different results is insanity.  Well, let's stop the insanity and do something different for the millions of unemployed Americans.  However, if nothing is going to be done by our government, that needs to be said also.  In my opinion, government intervention for the job crisis is not too much to ask.  After all, we spend a lot of money helping other countries solve their many problems.  While it is true that the American standard of living, in many cases, is much higher than many foreign countries we still need help to improve our economy.  In normal times, Americans are tough and can find ways to survive, but if no jobs are available, what can they do?  As I have stated on many occasions, self-employment can be an option for some, but not everyone should be a business owner.  Therefore, the long term unemployed must be given some special attention.  Even if a person desires to start a business, real help should be available for them, too.
The unemployed need help as a group which would be a win-win for all of us.  When people have money they spend it, and support businesses that, in turn, keeps people working.
Unless we are going to return to poor houses,the unemployed need some attention as soon as possible.

Surviving Unemployment

Surviving unemployment is a tremendous  problem for many Americans due to the lack of jobs being created.  I wonder daily about the fate of many people who are without work.  Some of these people are not usually heard from by those who are busy living their own lives.  Those lives often include going to a job that allows workers maintain their lives.   Those with jobs are, of course, not to blame for their own good fortune, or the bad fortune of those without a job.  At this point, the government probably needs to step in and seriously consider job programs.  It is in the best interest of everyone for the unemployed to return to work.  With income, they can contribute to the economy by purchasing goods and services.  Without income, they actually have to take from the system just to get by another day.  Look at the number of foreclosures as a result of so many people being out of work.
Surviving unemployment is an overwhelming undertaking for anyone.  Once your unemployment benefits end, you are on your own unless you have minor children and eligible for entitlement programs.
I say that this country needs to look for multiple ways to help those out of work recover their lives.  One of those ways is to help people start home-based businesses.   This is a good solution for many unemployed people.  Some people are unemployable due to criminal backgrounds, outdated skills, and being over age 50 to name a few reasons.  I am not saying that self-employment is the answer for everyone, but that option should be one available for anyone so motivated.  Obtaining new skills is also an option for anyone who has been out of work for an extended length of time.
Surviving unemployment is possible, but many people need some type of support to get themselves back on track.