It’s been a while since we’ve met in the podcast but it’s time to back on track! What I want to talk about today is the concept of “Wake up!” – the necessity to follow the latest trends in the job search. What do I mean by that?
There comes a point in your career when you really have to become the driver, not the passenger. I believe it also can be a motto of life. Everyone would rather be a passenger – don’t think, just go where you’re driven.
But when you are a passenger you get taken to the places you don’t want to be in. And you wake up one day and think “how the heck did I get here?!”
And in your life, especially, in your career, it’s very important to acknowledge this. Otherway, you get so comfortable with your situation and you get hit with something you’re not ready for.
Listen to the full episode of the podcast “Find a Job Like a Pro“.
Why getting comfortable is not good for your job search
I recently spoke to a person who was working with one company for 10 years. Right after college, he got this job and stayed with the firm for all these years. You might think there’s nothing wrong with that. But what really happened – he got too comfortable. He got promoted a couple of times and in his mind, he thought he’s going to be there forever. It was easy for him!
But… wake up! The economy of the world, the outsourcing, the computer technologies and all the other things that take jobs from people – if you’re not following these changes, you’re going to be in trouble. It’s time to wake up!
What happened with this guy? After 10 years, out of the blue, they told them that they’re outsourcing their department. And that was it, he was out of a job. And now he’s been looking for a new job for more than a year!
Change your job at least 3 times
In the first decade of your job, I strongly recommend for you to move at least 3 times. Because when you do that, you’re building blocks of your experience, you’re getting more money and you’re following a healthy market. This guy wasn’t even getting paid what he deserves to be paid.
If you haven’t been proactive in your career, you’re going to get screwed!
Another part of the Wake Up! concept: If you’ve been out of the work for more than a year, you have to think about the other options. At this point, it doesn’t even matter if you’ve worked in a firm for 10 years. Recruiters will look at you and think – what’s wrong with you?! Frankly, when I have 100 other resumes with people who have recently worked, I will choose them over you. And this is seen as a red flag on your Resume.
Recently, I talked with another person. He got laid off and his company gave him a “three-month lock” when he was unable to look for a job in the same field. It was a weird move since it wasn’t in a high-powered position. It took him time until the fall of the last year. At the end of the year, no one is hiring anymore.
Consider other sources of income
I suggested for him to look into another source of income. So he asked me what are the options and what exactly I’m talking about. Think about e-commerce, Amazon, Shopify. There are many platforms making online income possible or giving you the chance to build your own income stream.
If you ask me as a recruiter – yes, there are great jobs and there are great positions! But you’ve got to look at yourself in the mirror. Don’t point the fingers. Think what’s good about you? What’s not? Recognize your strengths and recognize your weaknesses! Compare yourself to your peers. And if you see that you’re at the bottom, you have to start seriously consider other options.
I personally think the e-commerce is the way to go. And this way you can create a secondary passive income stream that can become your primary income. Even my 18-year-old son is doing that.
If you’ve been out of the job for a year or more, you have to seek the other options.
I recently had a client who was fired from her position. She had the job for 10 years and then she got reckless and made some bad decisions that turned into a big problem for the firm. Now she’s still out there, searching for the same type of jobs. This is one of the samples when you have to understand that you’re done! And you have to move forward.
Conclusion…
The most important part is to evaluate yourself compared to your peers. If you don’t see yourself in the market anymore, make sure to Wake Up and check out other options. I currently have several products on Amazon and I truly believe that e-commerce is the way to go. At the same time, there are many other opportunities to grow your own business and become a driver instead of being a passenger.
Listen to other episodes of “Find a Job Like a Pro!” to get yourself focused, motivated and ready to get that job!
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