In My Humble Opinion #1

The unemployment rate has risen to 10.2 percent according to an article, “In the Holidays, Hope for the Jobless,” on the New York Times website on November 11th. Fortunately, the fast approaching holiday season is opening some new doors to job seekers, even if just temporarily. As those out of work become so discouraged that they stop looking for jobs all together, maybe putting food on the table and taking advantage of an employee discount will motivate them to get out there and give it another try.

According to John A. Challenger, chief executive of Challenger Gray and Christmas, “holiday hiring is more robust this year than it was in 2008.” He suggests checking with local stores, restaurants, caterers and even e-commerce companies for seasonal jobs, adding that it is important to hand your application in to a manger personally when applying for a position at a store. Challenger also points out that it is more likely to be offered a job that you are overqualified for when the work is temporary, which will likely still allow you to acquire new skills and may lead to a higher-level position in the future.

This year’s holiday season just might be what our economy and job market needs to stir the pot and rejuvenate spending and job search efforts. In comparison with last year’s holiday season, job seekers are much more aware now that finding an “ideal” job is not as obtainable as one might hope. Last year the nation was not quite ready to acknowledge that we were in fact slipping into a recession. Many people were holding their breath, and their wallets, hoping that the situation would pass quickly. A year later, I think we all realize now that having a job at all is what matters and that being an active participant in the economy is the only way to dig out of the predicament that we’re in.

I think that the shear act of going to work and collecting a paycheck does a great deal for one’s self-esteem and drive. Regardless of your abilities or how well you “fit” with an organization, the wrong attitude will disqualify you from a job that you are perfect for. Although many may feel embarrassed to accept a job that is “beneath them,” I think taking a step in the right direction will do wonders for their attitude and job search success going forward.

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