How to Prepare for a Career Change, Job Loss or Self Employment
Tags: Career Change, Job Loss, Self Employment, Work
Posted in Land a Job 
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Maybe you’re ready to make the leap and start your own business. Perhaps the company you work for is down-sizing and thus having layoffs. No matter what the reason, by preparing yourself ahead of time you can help to ensure a smooth career transition.
Network Now: Don’t wait to start nurturing relationships, continuously cultivate old and new relationships. Get involved is some social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn where you can manage your professional and personal contacts with ease.
Join a business group or take a class where you can expand your reach and learn some new skills. When the time comes to make the transition you will be able to easily approach your contacts – and remember it’s usually not who you know, but who your contacts know that matters.
Here is a great article on How to Network Beyond the 2nd Degree on LinkedIn.
Be Financially Ready: Whether you’re concerned about being laid off or you’re planning on launching a new business you need to be financially ready for the hard times. By paying off credit card debt, decreasing what you’re spending and increasing your savings, you can help to be prepared for the unexpected. Remember that many new businesses take 6 months or longer to see a profit.
Here are some more tips on How to Prepare for a Layoff.
Get Coverage: Having healthcare insurance is a must! A serious illness or accident can easily cost thousands of dollars and put you into financial ruin if you’re not covered. If you’ve just lost your job make sure to apply for COBRA benefits ASAP. Waiting to apply for coverage will put you at risk for non-coverage of pre-existing conditions – apply now!
If you’re planning on making a career change or becoming self employed, see if you can join a spouse’s healthcare plan or look for affordable healthcare options from insurance companies who provide individual coverage.
See here for more information on Self Employment and Health Care.
Seek Out Other Options: Are you unhappy in your current position? Is your company downsizing or do you want to be your own boss? Talk to your current employer and see if there is the option of working part-time, flex time, changing positions or even job sharing. Many employers are willing to accommodate alternative job options since they have already spent the money on training you and they are familiar with your work ethic.
Check out Work Options for flex time tools and tactics.
Keep Your Eyes Open: Even if you’re happy in your current position or your job is secure, there is no harm in looking at other opportunities that are available. By keeping your eyes open you can make a smoother transition into another job if needed; or you may find an opportunity that pays more, has better benefits or that it closer to home. This type of information can also be used for negotiating purposes – flex schedule, telecommuting, pay raise or better benefits.
Here are 10 Job Listing Sites With Unique Opportunities.
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Do you have a question or comment? I invite you to share your thoughts below.
3 Responses to “How to Prepare for a Career Change, Job Loss or Self Employment”
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June 8th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I’m also a self-employed woman who works at home. I recently posted an article, The Upside of Downsizing on my website and have been interviewed on this topic for a June article in US News and World Report. I thought your readers might be interested in the article as it relates to your wonderful post.
http://doreenorion.com/orion-upside.htm
June 10th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Kind of an inspiring video about career change. Not sure cupcakes are for everyone but aha moments can drive some of this. some by need.
ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/107
Cam
cam@ahamoment.com
cam’s last blog post..Writing my way to my dreams.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Hi, gr8 post thanks for posting. Information is useful!