At networking parties for the film industry and the unemployed – sometimes the same people in both groups – I have been running into a growing number of people who speak desperately about spending 30 or 40 hours a week sending out resumes and trying to set up interviews. But then, nothing. There are no jobs. So their job has become finding a job – though there are few jobs to be had at a time when layoffs are spreading from industry to industry. No wonder they are increasingly depressed.
Well, sometimes if you are faced with such a situation, the best approach is to give up a frustrating and fruitless job search for now. Instead, think about how you can volunteer to do something where the work is needed and where your skills and interests make this task a good fit. Volunteering is a good way to learn new skills, as well as keep you busy and fulfilled because you are making a contribution. Later you can use that experience to help you get a paying job – or get clients to pay you for using these skills on their behalf.
As example of the value of volunteering, I just read a People magazine article about Mary Marzano, 49, of Maplewood, New Jersey, whose sister’s home in Galveston was destroyed by Hurricane Ike. Mary discovered from a hotel-employee friend that the hotel threw out sheets and towels each month, so they could provide the guests with brand new linen. Realizing that the poor people in Galveston could use the sheets and towels, she began collecting them from some local hotels and shipping dozens of boxes of sheets to the stricken area. Then, she began sending these extra linens, along with donated quilts and bathrobes, to local charities and public services, including Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and some homeless shelters.
Though Mary has been doing this mission of good will on weekends, since she works as an advertising-account supervisor, you might do such volunteer work during the work week, when you are out of work with little hope of a paid job in sight.
So where should you volunteer? One approach is to look through the listings of local organizations in your areas seeking volunteers. Another is to create your own volunteer activity, as Mary did where you find a need and fill it. Then, note all the skills you use as a volunteer and keep track of the people you meet along the way.
Later, when the economy revives and there are new job openings again, you have a whole new repertoire of skills to offer, and prospective employers will like your altruistic, can-do spirit, increasing your chances of getting a paying job. Or perhaps you can turn your volunteer work into a paid job, once the organization is ready to hire again.
For more ideas on how to achieve what you want, you can see some chapters from my books Want It, See It, Get It (www.wantitseeitgetit.com).
Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author of over 50 books and a seminar and workshop leader, specializing in work relationships and professional and personal development. Her latest books include Want It, See It, Get It and Enjoy! 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Everyday, both from AMACOM
by Gini Graham Scott, author of Want It, See It, Get It (www.workwithgini.com)
For more ideas on how to achieve what you want, you can see some chapters from my books Want It, See It, Get It. And to help you have fun doing this, see Enjoy: 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Everyday.
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