Career Musings

We have been hearing about the green economy and green careers, but many of us do not really understand what this means, and staying on top of this rapidly developing new economy is time consuming and can be overwhelming.

On Wednesday, April 28, I will be interviewing Carol McClelland, PhD, one of the leading green career experts and founder and executive director of Green Career Central.  We will be discussing the greening of the economy and its impact on one’s career. This is a timely topic, as it was quoted in the Globe and Mail a few days ago that the Government of Ontario will be investing $8 billion in green energy, which is expected to create approximately 20,000 jobs. In addition to the energy jobs, there are a lot of other green career options for technical and non-technical people.

During the show, Carol will talk about the industries and sectors that make up the green economy and this will help you discover where your skills, interests, and education fit in. Carol will also talk about actions you can take to figure out your green career focus and offer practical strategies you can use to transition into your green career.

Want more details? Visit the CareerTips2Go show page, send an email to careercoach@thewrightcareer.com with Green Careers in the subject line, or post your questions in the comments section below.

Be sure to join me on the call with Carol on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 2 pm Eastern.

As I listened to the message, the woman’s tone was one of panic and confusion. “I have just been laid off after 20 years at the same job. I received a severance package, but I am in my mid fifties and will need to continue working. I never took any additional training all these years, and I don’t have a clue how to conduct a job search. Can you help me?” My first thoughts were, “Why such a knee-jerk reaction? Didn’t you see it coming? What did you do for yourself and your career during all those years? When last did you update your resume? Do you have a network of people to turn to?” Of course, I banished those thoughts as quickly as they came, and returned her call. She was “still in a daze”, she told me, but I listened to her rants and then gave her the following careertips2go:

1. It’s OK to be angry. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Anger, as long as it’s not misplaced, could have a healing effect, but choose your venue carefully. Do not vent at work or with coworkers or your boss. Such behaviour could be construed as negative and unprofessional; could damage relationships and thwart your chances of getting a good reference.
2. Get support. Find a trustworthy person who will listen to you, and give you some good advice. Stay away from anyone who is inclined to help you bash the company or your boss as this is counter-productive.  Find a lawyer to review the severance package to see if it meets, at least, the minimum employment stand. The Law Society of Upper Canada has a Lawyer Referral Service where you can get up to 30 minutes of free legal advice. Visit www.lsuc.on.ca for additional information.
3. Engage in self-care. For the first time in a long time, put yourself first. This is not the time to beat upon yourself and question your ability or self-worth. Take that long-awaited vacation to clear your head and develop strategies to help you bounce back. Use this time to redirect your energy into something productive.
4. Focus on what you have gained from the experience. Turn this negative experience into something positive. Begin by spotlighting your assets. Keep a journal of your special job achievements, awards and recognitions received, and comments made by your supervisor, coworkers or customers. Write out an inventory of your transferable skills that could benefit another employer. All of these are your assets – documented evidence that validate your capabilities.
5. Find resources within your community. There are many free and fee-based resources within your community. One such resource is the Second Career program introduced by the Ontario Government for individuals who have lost their jobs or been unemployed for a long period of time.  Explore this option, and if you are eligible, you could receive funding assistance to help you find a new career path.
6. Remember that “This too shall pass”. What you are feeling now is real, but it won’t last forever. Sometimes, a layoff is just the prescription you need to propel you to action. Ask yourself some soul-searching questions like, Is it time to go back to school to gain additional skills? Do I have what it takes to start a business? What do I really enjoy doing, and should I be exploring this as one of my career options?
7. Remain positive. The road to a successful job search, especially in such a competitive job market, is paved with disappointments and frustrations, but don’t give up. Join a support group like a Job-finding Club, or social media groups and engage in networking activities that will put in touch with people who can help you, or are willing to share their network of contacts with you.

These seven tips are not all-inclusive, but steps in the right direction. I welcome additional tips that could help others caught in a similar situation, and asking contemplating the thought “I just got laid off…now what?”

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