Post-pink slip Opportunities

In today's job seekers generally search for "employment exchange" through a variety of high-tech professional networks like LinkedIn, Plaxo, Xing, Flicker, Tumblr and YouTube. But when the national framework for employment remains bleak month after month, it is hard to find a job on-or offline. And according to John Silvia, chief economist at Wachovia Corp., "These jobs do not come back. There will be fewer stores, fewer factories, fewer financial services operations. Firms are making strategic decisions that they do not want to be in their activities."

The United States has experienced recessions before, but with the massive loss of jobs during this compressed period of time, some experts predict that the U.S. economy is ready for a makeover. The days of corporate power can not come back for a long, long time. Social jets, palatial headquarters and astronomical bonuses are sure to seem outdated as the typing pool in Mad Men.

There are, however, several ways to deal with an economic contraction. People who have lost their jobs always try to find a new employer, and then, when their search was futile, search for an "out of the box" solution. Below are several options being studied by the employees that have been reduced and they came face to face with an inhospitable labor market:

Become an entrepreneur

Even if the economy is weak and banks are reluctant to grant loans, laid off thousands of workers have chosen to say a final goodbye the idea of ​​being an employee. Starting their small businesses, from cleaning services for childcare, workers are learning to rely on their strengths and resources rather than on a body. For example, because health care was one of the few bright spots in the economy last year, providing small-scale home-health services has become a viable business for new entrepreneurs.

Many experts believe that small businesses started by entrepreneurs will focus on the processes of innovation, new products and re-designed business models. The last three recessions showed an increase in small business start-ups. The limited options of traditional employment and high levels of unemployment is likely to continue this scenario.

Back to school

Community colleges have reported a dramatic recovery in enrollment figures of the elderly (over 50) students. Fields such as health sciences, education programs and alternative energy are particularly attractive for older workers displaced by the certification can be earned quickly. But today's tight economy, all workers need to update their skills. The idea of ​​embarking on a new journey, after a career founded has atrophied should be helped by $ 4.5 billion for job training included in the federal stimulus bill.

Voluntary

Many workers have lost interest, with the concept of "making the Top" competitive. And a growing number of former employees have chosen to focus on "social ambition" rather than personal ambition. For example, AmeriCorps (specializing in health care, clean energy, support for veterans and the fight against poverty), is expected to grow to 250,000 positions from 75,000 volunteers. And a $ 1,000 grant education called "Silver Scholarship" will soon be available to over 55 volunteers who donate 350 hours or more qualified organizations. "Encore Fellowships" match nonprofit organizations with volunteers for a year the senior management or leadership positions.

For decades, the gold standard of volunteering was the Peace Corps, which has seen applications from people aged 50 and over increased by 40 percent. The Peace Corps provides its volunteers complete medical coverage, a monthly stipend for clothing, transportation, meals and accommodation, support and job placement and preferential treatment, if an application for a federal job.

There is no doubt that times are tough. But even with the current job market sadly, there are many ways to re-think that having a job - and a salary - it actually means. If you decide to become your own boss, go back to school, or use your skills to help others, the opportunity to be "gainful employment" are waiting to be explored .......