| A search on the internet will bring up thousands of | | | | because the ground work has already been laid. For |
| articles about job retraining. As I recently studied some | | | | many of you this has already been done because of |
| of the data presented in these articles and resources | | | | your networking efforts and marketing of your resume |
| there was one common thread. Not everyone was | | | | with the appropriate job placement services. Here's a |
| better off because of these retraining programs. | | | | thought - instead of servicing or securing customers |
| One such article found on the website of CBS News | | | | for your current or prospective employer why not |
| states that many are indeed getting help but that this | | | | attract your own customers? |
| help does not always translate into a better job. It | | | | Make Your Knowledge Sell |
| states that "there has been a shift in the United States | | | | If you've been in the work force for any length of time |
| from jobs that produce goods to those that provide | | | | then you've had a chance to acquire some very |
| services". So for many displaced workers this is | | | | valuable experience and knowledge in a particular |
| actually a good trend because many of them have a | | | | niche. Most employers provide ongoing training that |
| skill set that can be transferred over to the services | | | | helps us maintain or improve our productivity. For |
| sector. | | | | example if you're in the insurance or medical field |
| Most of my article will discuss the opportunities that | | | | you're always being sent to training classes or |
| abound because of this trend (I'll be addressing that | | | | seminars to keep abreast of what's happening in the |
| shortly). | | | | industry. You've been accumulating a great deal of |
| Current job retraining programs are offered either by | | | | knowledge that only your employer was benefiting |
| employers who are in the process of laying off their | | | | from. Now's your chance to make your knowledge sell. |
| employees or by various government agencies set up | | | | Telecommuting for the Workplace Disabled |
| precisely to offer this type of assistance. In theory | | | | One category you don't read about much with regards |
| these job retraining programs should be a god-send | | | | to the current level of unemployment in this country is |
| for such employees but the facts reveal a different | | | | the disabled and the job retraining opportunities |
| reality. | | | | available to them. Many who are currently unemployed |
| This was addressed in a recent article in The New | | | | are in this state because of a workplace injury or a |
| York Times which stated "an internal Labor | | | | condition brought on because of their job. Many times |
| Department report says the Government job training | | | | this makes it difficult or nearly impossible to find new |
| program for workers hurt by foreign trade is largely | | | | work. |
| ineffective and used primarily as an income crutch for | | | | These disabilities or physical limitations hinder job |
| the unemployed". | | | | candidates from even getting out to the job site to |
| Another issue that complicates the ineffectiveness of | | | | hold an interview. The good news is that even for |
| job retraining programs is the fact that there has been | | | | these candidates in many cases they can still turn their |
| very slow economic growth this year, and it's | | | | knowledge and expertise into an income generating |
| expected there won't be enough to spur job growth | | | | vehicle right from their own home. Many employers |
| next year, either. In essence, there is a strong possibility | | | | are willing to hire candidates to telecommute because |
| that once you complete your job retraining you may | | | | of the savings involved for the employer. |
| still be out of a job. So what options does one have in | | | | Telecommuting gives many employers the chance to |
| such a climate? | | | | hire highly qualified people from around the country or |
| Welcome to the Information Age | | | | the world without incurring significant relocation |
| A good chunk of the jobs that have been eliminated in | | | | expenses. In some cases this eventually leads to the |
| the U.S. are in the textiles, printing businesses, | | | | opportunity for these employees to branch out on their |
| automotive, apparel and other industries. Those jobs | | | | own and do some freelancing. This is one of the most |
| are gone because of foreign competition and new | | | | powerful forms of job retraining. |
| technology. | | | | Time to think "Outside the Box" |
| According to the same New York Times article, "Many | | | | One thing is for sure. Things will never be what they |
| people find they're forced to do something new, so | | | | once were. Our global economy is making sure of that. |
| they're doing one of three things: taking on work | | | | How it effects you depends on whether you see your |
| they're over-qualified to do (a lot of people right now | | | | glass as "half full" or "half empty". |
| are under-employed); pursuing their passions or turning | | | | I experienced what was for me a traumatic loss in |
| hobbies into careers". This group of people are actually | | | | 1999. After eighteen years of trying to build a |
| finding a whole new field opening up to them that is | | | | successful career in the Management Services |
| more resistant to current economic turmoil. They are | | | | industry I was suddenly unemployed. During that time I |
| marketing their knowledge and skills to a broader | | | | never once thought about networking or even building |
| scope of employers and sometimes customers. | | | | a resume. I was so focused on getting the results I |
| In order to succeed in the midst of any set of | | | | believed would land me that secure position at the top. |
| economic conditions a successful worker | | | | I really could have used some job retraining at that |
| (self-employed included) need to have more than just | | | | time. |
| job retraining options. Options that will open new doors | | | | |