As a well networked recruiter, I’m hearing this a lot lately and I like how it sounds. I got into this work on purpose – I wasn’t a failing massage therapist who decided “hmm, recruiting seems interesting, think I’ll give it a go” – I actually chose this profession – and fell madly in love. I fell for two very distinct reasons: A. Financial Independence and B. I help create opportunities for people. LOVE that.
In this economy the hardest part of my job is shouldering the knowledge that I cannot help everyone. Makes me itch. I can ride out an economic downturn, adopting more frugal habits like the rest of the planet – but tell me you’re losing your house or close to it, that you’ve been laid off for three months with no end in sight and I literally feel frustrated. It bothers me.
It’s not keeping me up at night – my sixteen year old holds that candle – but it’s not a good feeling and one I spend all day, every day, closing the gap on - to the best of my ability.
“We’re all in this together” – someone said this to me again today and it left me feeling good in a way that only a downturn can – if you’ve been laid off, you are not alone – 2009 has been humbling for a lot of us.
Taking action:
1. Don’t request referral fees – everyone is feeling the crunch – and quite frankly, it should be about helping, not about personally benefitting from someone else’s misfortune. Capitalizing on your referrals has a time and place, now is not the time or the place.
2. Be collaborative. If you follow my blog or have exchanged any kind of career oriented conversation with me, you know my take on this already: collaboration is the best avenue to success in challenging times especially – team together with a “board of directors”, namely a good recruiter, a well networked executive in your area of expertise, an optimist, a realist (not negative, but someone who isn’t prone to sugar coating), and a career specialist – talk to each once a week to keep you focused on your goals – be they solidifying your position at your current job or obtaining job post layoff or right out of college.
3. Believe in yourself – don’t ever stop, never falter – ok, that’s unrealistic…just have your woe is me moment privately and quickly, with a big glass of wine in a dark corner somewhere and then get over it and get to work. Wallowing will deplete you and who has time for that anyway.
4. Every few weeks have a chat with someone who knows what the hell is going on with the economy – someone who can make sense of all the info. What’s great about now vs. January or February – is that we are improving, there IS a recovery in process – its slight, but its there and gaining momentum – so hang in there, you’re going to make it.
5. Give someone a pep talk – see someone worried about money, their job, the economy? Just look up – we’re everywhere – everyone has been in worry mode for months…pick a friend any friend who needs it and remind them we’re all in this together, it will benefit YOU as much as them.
