Jobless in July
By Detra Davis |
There is really nothing worse than being jobless in July, except perhaps being
jobless in January during a snow storm in Cook County, Minnesota. News reports
about the economy trying to make a come back are no encouragement to someone
looking for work. It is a hopeless felling when you are jobless in the heart of
the summer. July is for vacations, taking dips in the pool, playing golf and
attending summer concerts. What is a jobless person to do? Dr. Phil would
probably say, son, nothing happens unless you have a plan. Since you must work,
seek summer job opportunities.
Save your major job search efforts for
permanent full time employment until after Labor Day. The summer help will go
back to school and those who are going on maternity or medical leave will notify
the boss of their exit dates. Do you need work right away? Swallow your pride
and pick-up a summer time job, i.e. restaurants that work until 1 a.m. or 2
a.m., home improvement stores, landscape companies and don’t forget temp
agencies. During the summer the unemployed are competing with the high school
graduates and the college graduates, it is not fair, summer is a bummer.
This can be the time when you can also try your hand at starting your
own little business. If you like to cook or barbecue, you may want to try it for
profit. Start small, keep it simple and be creative. If you truly need a job and
you or your spouse, significant other, mother or dad is good with a grill or
makes a mean smoked chicken and garlic cheese wrap, give catering a try. The one
thing people do all summer is eat. Some eat light, some don’t, but everyone
eats.
Do you have a friend who makes the best chocolate truffles in town?
A bridal shop might allow you to put your flyer in their shop. Brides are always
looking for tasty little gifts for their guest. A job in food is one of the most
convenient positions a person can perform. Everyone loves good food and there is
bound to be something that you can cook or learn to cook in relatively little
time. Do you make a great barbecue sauce? Do you grind your own blend of
coffee?
Don’t stop looking for a permanent position, keep that resume
circulating and visit community associations and organizations. Get out there
and volunteer, meet people and introduce yourself to everyone. This is the time
to become a social butterfly. Everyone needs to develop streams of income.
Relying on one job for your livelihood today is unrealistic. Look at your
joblessness as an opportunity to use your community as your source of income.
Start a small business. Think about starting a small business. Find a job but
don’t let just the job be your salvation. Today that is a dangerous way to
live.
About the Author
Detra D. Davis is a writer and Consultant with over 20 years of
experience. She is the author of two e-books, Job Search 101 and Catering From
My Kitchen. Detra may be reached at www.supportingourchildren.com or by mail at J. Davis
& Associates Publishing, P. O. Box 4935, Cary, North Carolina
27519-4935
Top of Page |
