Do Something Useful

by Ed

If you are in an industry that is affected by the downturn, you’ll probably find yourself in 1 of 3 possibilities. You are either:-
1. Retrenched, now unemployed and looking for a job,
2. One of the luckier ones and still have a job but working harder since there is less manpower, or
3. You don’t know how bad things are and might end up in position 1 or 2 above.

Whatever position you are currently at, there are some things you can do now, rather than waste time doing nothing. Skills wise, you may be into 2 possible groups. Either you are skilled at something and your expertise is worth something, (just not at the moment) or you don’t have really expertise in any field.

If you are in the latter group, then I suggest that you go learn some new things. There are many things are available online or books you can borrow from the library to learn something. Why not learn a new language or learn public speaking? Or web design? Or how to organize events.

These skills will become valuable down the road! There are plenty of things you can try. But this comes with a caveat. You have to do it well enough that you rise above the norm. Don’t stay at beginner level but learn with the aim to become an expert. If you can, be great. There is where value lies.

On the other hand, if you already have some skills, the perhaps starting a blog would be something to consider. Learn to market yourself. Think out of the box. For example I have a friend who really like marketing in the retail world but could not get a job in that specific sector.

He had to settle for a job (still in marketing) in an different industry that is more regulated and his creativity is some what stifiled. I suggested he start a blog to review existing marketing design especially towards the layout, design and colors.

What works, what doesn’t and why etc. While at the moment, he needs to stay on the job to pay his bills, in the months ahead, assuming he is good at what he does and builds a following, instead of getting a job, many more options will open up.

Possibilities down the road would include maybe a book, freelance consultant work, or perhaps paid speaking engagements all come to mind. Who knows. What you build online is like an online resume!

But best of all, you are doing something to increase your value.