Holding and Folding

In tough economic times like these, the element of Hope is as necessary as a well devised job resume. There are many blog posts and articles out there focused on encouragement throughout the job search and tip lists to make the search more productive. However, many Michiana residents are finding themselves still on the job search sidelines after a year and often longer of unemployment. Instead of encouragement, many of you are looking advice on continuing the job search or making a drastic career change.

As Kenny Rogers said, “you gotta know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away.” In truth, no one can tell you when it is time to hang up your job search and go back to college or change careers altogether. However, there are things that you can consider before making such a decision.

Examine Your Motives

If your reasons for looking for a job begin and end with the fact it is the last job you held, maybe you should examine your motives. Spending several months or a few years unemployed for a job that you aren’t enthusiastic for doesn’t make much sense. This is especially true in the age of multiple furthering education programs, which provide training toward new skills.

Examine Your Industry

In Michiana, the steel, auto and RV industries went belly-up in 2008. However, the steel and auto industries are now making a rebound. Many of the displaced workers in Michigan and Indiana have been contacted for return to work or are already back on the job. Meanwhile, the RV industry is still down for the count. Workers in this industry may want to consider a career change or training for something new.

Examine Your Skills

Workers in the RV industry may have other skills that the other industries like steel, automotive and other manufacturing companies can use. Welders, assemblymen and even managers and inspectors can utilize their skills elsewhere, as the RV industry has yet to recover. People who have more specialized skills may want to look at ways to utilize them in other industries. This is where a craftily written resume comes in handy.

Examine Your Passion

While you are unemployed, take up a hobby, something that involves your passion. Closet writers, artists, crafters, and people with a business plan that they never before had time for can dust off these ideas and try them out while unemployed. For some, your passion may end taking a life of its own, becoming a small business or career change.

To decide whether your employment path has ended, you must take stock of your situation. The above examinations and considerations will help. However, the decision is ultimately yours.