Should I Change my Career Plans Because of the Recession?
So, you are not doing exactly what you intended after graduating from college? Welcome to the club. Perhaps you have plans to pursue a different career or go to graduate school, but with the recession in full swing, should you put your plans on the back burner for a while?First, you should consider your finances. If you want to pursue a new career all together, or just a different position within the same industry in which you are currently working, hunker down. It may take a while given the current environment. Be sure you can pay your bills before making any moves – and having a little extra cushion in your bank account is a good idea too.
If you are thinking about graduate school, well, where there’s a will there’s a way. To lessen the financial burden, begin to research financial aid packages and scholarships. You may even want to consider part-time graduate programs that will allow you to continue working. But, if you are not entirely sure what you really want to be when you grow up, don’t pursue grad school until you’ve made up your mind.
In this tough job market, it may be unwise to give up a decent job. Of course, if being a bartender is sucking the life out of you, then you should probably make a change, even if it means working at the internet café down the street. However, if you are securely employed in a position that you can tolerate, make the best of it, learn as much as you can, and network with your colleagues to build your connections.
Whether you choose to keep your current position for the short-term or not, continue researching the industry in which you’d like to work. Subscribe to professional journals, read relevant blogs, attend networking events and professional association meetings. And, ask everyone you know to introduce you to professionals within that industry who could provide you with some career guidance. Every connection you make now will help you be better positioned to make a good career move when the economy rebounds.
In the meantime, maybe you’ll get lucky and find your dream job, or a way out of a career sinkhole, or maybe win the lottery… But if there was ever a time look before leaping, it's now. Good luck!
Labels: adjustments, advice, alternative job options, grad school, recession
Posted by Seymour Jobs on 6/05/2009 03:56:00 PM
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Although graduate school is a huge time and monetary commitment, there are other types of education available to supplement a Bachelor's degree. Consider a teaching certificate, or being certified in one area of business, law or human services. If you research particular jobs calling for certified applicants, you can apply and let the employer know you are pursuing your certification and will take a pay cut until such time that you achieve it. Some supplemental training can completed in under one year and you can work around a full time job. Also, many regulatory associations will have temporary certificates available. For example, you can get a temporary three year certification to be a teacher or substitute.