© 2001, Rosemary Augustine  -  Posted October 11, 2001

       Are you recently unemployed? Or unemployed as a result of the Events of September 11, 2001?  No matter where you live in the United States, somehow, someway you were probably affected by the sluggish economy that has plagued us since the start of 2001.  Add the events of September 11^th and suddenly a job search or coping with job loss now becomes even more difficult.  Here are some tips to remember at this very difficult time:

·        Your job search will take longer now because of the rippling effects of September 11^th .

 ·        Your job search will take on a different look – Internet job sites, classifieds ads   and recruiters will not be as effective now because of the amount of people competing with you but mostly because of companies having a “wait and see” attitude.  Look at the unpublished market and realize the bigger picture – your long-term career path and options.

·        Industries obviously hit by the events of September 11th:

            Airlines, travel, hospitality, retail and industries supporting those industries.

            Technology and insurance industries are also suffering.

·        Sometimes it’s hard to move on, but in doing so, take a look at the industries that will be part of the rebuilding process of September 11^th or the industries that will be involved as a result of a new kind of war.  Think outside the box!  Five years ago, new professions suddenly flooded the marketplace – Webmaster, Website Designer and Website Marketing Experts.  Today, just about every company has one.  

Here are some suggested tips to make your life a little less stressful at this time:

·        Lower your expectations.  If you’ve been looking for a job and you’re still looking, because of these compounding events – the sluggish economy, events of September 11^th and the stock market’s ups/downs - it will take longer now. Hang in there the best you can!

·        Continue with your job search.  Don’t stop just because the market is flooded with other job seekers.  Remember, they’re not ALL looking for the same type of job you are.

·        Step up the networking.  This can’t be emphasized enough.  Networking is the “unpublished market” that you’ll often hear about.  How much networking are you doing in your job search now?  It doesn’t matter what level employee you are.   Who do you know and who do they know and how can you bring the two together?  The more networking you can do the better positioned you’ll be when companies starting rehiring.  However, your networking needs to be effective.  Ensure you are building relationships, not stripping names from someone’s database or rolodex.

·        Expect to be unemployed for a while, maybe even until after the first of the year.  Historically, this is the busiest time for job search.  The big “push” before business begins to operate in the holiday mode.  However, with compounding events, you may find that as businesses get back to business in the coming months, you will be considered and maybe asked to start after the first of the year. 

·        Survey your finances.  How long can you be unemployed?  If you were laid off as a result of September 11^th, there are special provisions being provided.  Check with your local unemployment office to see if you qualify for unemployment and any additional provisions.  Work with your creditors.  Pay something even if it’s a nominal amount.  Do what you can to stay afloat, but most of all don’t panic.  

·        Realize you will encounter an emotional roller coaster.  This is a normal part of loss.  If work is your life, generally, losing a job creates temporary loss of personal identity. You may also feel sad, angry, resentful or depressed at times.  Regardless of whether you knew of anyone who was a victim in the events of September 11^th, your emotions are multiplied to greater heights right now.   Rally your love ones around you for positive support at this time.  Communicate the support you need and encourage only Positive Support.

·        You can’t afford a negative thought at this time. Think positive, act positive and be positive.  Positive thoughts will manifest positive actions.  Negative thoughts will manifest negative actions and create fear and panic causing a spiraling effect.

·        It’s easy to panic right now, especially with all the uncertainty about our future – country, jobs, economy, etc in the face of war.  Living in fear will only exacerbate your situation, and create hasty choices and decisions. Be good to yourself right now.  Take a walk everyday, start a hobby or finish one of those projects you’ve been putting off because you were too busy at work.

·        Look at the bigger picture.  Begin to focus on your career and how you will manage your career in the future.  What additional training might you want now, while things are slow?

·        Take advantage of any workshops or career assistance that is provided to you.  If your company offers outplacement services, use it.  If you’re not afforded this benefit, check with your county workforce center.  In the U.S., every state and county has one and are provided federal monies for dislocated workers through The Workforce Investment Act - to help laid off employees get back in the workforce quickly.   Check your local phone book under county government – Employment and Training.   Of ask at your unemployment office and they can direct you.

·        Recognize that changes in the workplace are common today, but with a compounding loss it makes it much harder to deal with.   Life wont ever be the same again, but we will be back in the saddle riding again, we’re just not sure when.  Why not prepare yourself now for when that time comes.  

Meanwhile, remember the fallen, cherish the living and may God Bless America.

Warmest Regards,