For the next three weeks, we will share stories of job seekers who have applied for a scholarship (see the application form here), so you can see how important it is that we get them the help they want and deserve, but can’t afford. Meet Kay*: Q: What’s the hardest part about unemployed long-term?A: Today I hit the official six-month anniversary of being unemployed... I believe the hardest part is the realization that this much time has passed and I am still unable to say that I have found a new position. I never thought this would happen to me--that I would land among the ranks of the long-term unemployed. The hardest part? There are many hardest parts. Unemployment has taken a real financial and emotional toll that is deep and daunting. I engage in a daily struggle to keep my head up, remain positive, and soldier on. I am 57 with a fabulous track record and strong experience in my field--I would be an asset to any agency or institution, yet I fear that my age and my experience may work against me in subtle and less subtle ways. As I struggle to push aside the stereotypes and remain on point and present in my job search, the bills are piling up, and I am becoming worried about the long-term implications--sliding credit rating, making the mortgage, keeping the heat on. To that anxiety, I add the reality that I may have to consider a major move to remain in my field, and that makes me very uneasy--even afraid. So far, I have managed to compartmentalize and push down the fear and anxiety, but the reality is, it is beginning to seep into every effort I make to get back on track in my work life. I have had a good number of interviews, but so far, nothing has clicked. The rejection is staggering! At this stage of my life, will I need to abandon a lifetime spent preparing for and working in my field? If so, how will I do that?Q: What have you been doing to look for work so far?A: Daily: I search the major employment websites for my field; I make use of vertical job search engines; I network in person and via LinkedIn; I subscribe to a number of career newsletters; I strive for self development and professional development using online resources. Weekly: I apply for positions that are a fit for my background, experience, and interests; I stretch to identify and apply for positions that are relevant to my experience yet perhaps not directly related to the work I have been doing throughout my career; I follow up with and reach out to prospective employers; I seek out consulting opportunities; I volunteer at a local agency. Periodically: I attend conferences and networking events.Q: Why do you feel our Job Search Accelerator Program can help you?A: I need outside help in seeing what I may not be seeing about the realities of my circumstances and the efforts that I am making in my job search. I need a new perspective, a renewed "kick in the butt," and additional insight beyond that which I bring to the process--a "reality check" of sorts to help me answer the following questions: Am I doing everything I can possibly do, to secure a new role in my field? Will I need to move into another area of employment? If so, how do I do that?CommentsI subscribe to Peter Weddle's notion of being a "career activist," as opposed to a "job seeker." I wonder whether I am being too idealistic now, with six months' unemployment under my belt. It is so hard to start over, and I really don't want to settle, but the reality is that my savings are dwindling, and I need to bust a move, and soon! Kay* is one of the 30+ scholarship applicants we have received since launching Allies to the Out-of-Work. Want to know how you can help job seekers like her? Harnessing the power of the micro-fundraising site, Indiegogo.com, we launched a campaign to raise $10,000 that will give 100 long-term unemployed people a full scholarship to our Job Search Accelerator Program (JSAP). This program is helping hundreds of people find work. However, it’s not something we can give away for free. So, we are hoping to get donations from those of you out there who: A) Have been out of work recently and know how hard the job search really is. B) Know somebody long-term unemployed and want to sponsor them. C) Care about getting Americans back to work and on their feet.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.