Necessity is the mother of “Reinvention”

The current economic climate has affected many of us across the nation. Due to budget cuts and business shortfalls, many find themselves out placed from the workforce for the first time. Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent in July, down three-tenths of a percentage point from June. The total number of unemployed fell by 8,700 and the number of employed rose by 17,418 compared to June (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development).
This has had the greatest impact on women, fifty and older, many who at some point in their careers may have left the workforce to raise their families, returned to their career path only to find themselves at the starting line once again. Many of the homes of the suburbs that appear to be stable and well taken care of from the curb are harboring families struggling to make ends meet in these tough times. Families who never thought they would be on the rolls of government assistance now find themselves in the lines at county offices seeking food support, medical assistance and work force counseling.
With staggering figures such as these, many find the necessity for reinvention. Unless you were trained as a CPA, attorney, or Doctor, you may find it difficult to reenter the workforce in the same industry you left. This requires the development of different job seeking strategies and a comprehensive assessment of your skill sets in an effort to develop a new approach to the saturated job market. Many find themselves seeking the guidance of career counselors and life coaches to chart the path to a new source of livelihood. These experts help clients look at significant skill sets and group them in new silos to consider alternative positions and industry channels. Looking at attributes that can be transitioned into new career options may make the playing field a little less crowded and may open new doors for these individuals. Clients may find hidden skills and interests through the process creating options in entrepreneurial endeavors never considered before. They may also find a need to consider continuing education while they are looking for openings in the market whether through degree advancement or vocational and trade training.
The take away is that in the darkest times, the light that comes can be from the new opportunities that prevail from adversity. Perseverance versus submission to one’s circumstances can be the solution to rising from what may seem to be insurmountable circumstances. This is the perfect time to see the glass as half full and to seize the opportunity to create your second act in life. Take a keen inventory of your core values, skill sets and passions and channel them in the direction of life balance, independence and security. Summons all your resources and prior professional contacts and build your success team. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, schedule informative meetings and even consider volunteering for organizations of interest. The more visibility you have the better chance you will open new doors to your professional future. The greatest pitfall of being out of work is the since of isolation and the slow development of distance from the next opportunity. Stay active, involved and engaged and before you know it, you will discover your next calling. Remember, reinvention may just be the key to your future.