Next Steps

At this juncture take a close look at your career and decide if a change is needed. Has the market changed yet your skills haven’t? Are you happy with your life? Is there a better use of your time? Is there a unique opportunity to pursue? Questions such as these are examples to consider. You need to make an honest self-appraisal and decide what interests you and in what direction to head with your career.

When assessing what to do next, there are at least three options to look at. On one hand, you can find another full-time employer and for some this is just what they want. Another opportunity is to pursue freelance/contract work. People who find this path are looking to have more control over their employment and are willing to take on the additional management costs in return for higher pay and more flexibility.

For others this is an opportunity to start their own business. If you are serious about this route, think through your business plan carefully. Starting your own business can seem great until you carefully analyze the investment to begin, ongoing cash flow and hours required. This can be a great career option for some yet disastrous for others.

The key with all the options is to think them through carefully and discuss your options with friends, family and colleagues that you trust. Any of the above opportunities may look fantastic to you but a disaster waiting to happen to others. If you believe in the dream, chase it but pay close heed to the counsel of others whom you respect before you jump. The balance of the article will largely focus on those seeking contract or full-time employment.

The Job Market

Carefully research the job market in the geographic areas you can work. Do they need the skills you have to offer or do you need to pick up some training and certifications? In general, it is a good idea to stay up on the market and get training even if you have to fund it yourself to remain marketable.

The main point here is you need to understand what makes people marketable in the field you are looking at and then take the correct steps to be successful in your pursuits.

Dust Off the Resume

Some people keep their resume constantly updated while others haven’t looked at theirs for a long time. During your planning, get the resume out and update it. If you are looking at several types of jobs then consider a resume tailored for each. In other words be sure that you identify the accomplishments and responsibilities you have experienced that are relevant to the resume.

Furthermore, get advice and/or professional help with your resume. There are for-fee services, friends who can critique, etc. Don’t try to update and polish your resume on your own. There are a lot of ways to create a resume that work and a lot that do not. Leverage the experience of others.

One important thing: Don’t lie. While embellishing and puffing up your resume is considered an art by some, it can become very apparent during interviews or early on in a new job whether you possess the skills you claim. If you don’t, then your reputation can take a hit and in a small market word can get around. Samuel Clement offered some sage advice years ago when he said that by telling truth he had a lot less to remember.

Social Networking

In the good old days we met people face-to-face at parties, social clubs and sporting events and talked about career options. Today, we still have the tried and true methods and now sites like www.linkedin.com can help facilitate introductions as well.