Posted in reply to the post by Shandi:
During these times of "unemployment", with lots of time on our hands, but no money in them. I'd like to make some suggestions:
1.
Volunteer at places that have some appeal to you. There's lists of opportunities to peak your interest. It's by
connecting with people that you can let them know what you're looking for, or give them a resume. Lots of people say they want "work", and they'll do "anything", but when I hear that, I can't be of any help. Because there's "nothing" to hang in my brain for networking. I never hear about work or jobs that are offered for "someone to do anything."
2.
Be specific about jobs you're willing/able to do. When I've done career success workshops in the past, one of the first things I have people do, is list 10 things that they can do to make money. You'll be suprised at how empowering this simple exercise is. I've made this list several times during my life, but especially at times when jobs seem elusive.
3.
Consider hiring yourself, as an entreprenuer.Up until I was 40, I worked at many different kinds of jobs: insurance clerk, accounts payable, greeting card/shoe/various non-foods merchandiser, music reviewer, non-foods clerk at Lucky Mkt. postal carrier, window dresser, teen runaway counselor, housekeeper, elder care, and finally at 40, I became my own boss. I was not entreprenuerially oriented, didn't feel especially skilled at anything, didn't have any money to start a business, and didn't believe I could. I lived in Hawaii, where many people with Phd's are working 3 jobs in the tourist industries. I didn't want to do that.
A friend of mine had noticed a "need" for printing alternatives in the business community. There were only 2 printers in Kona, and both were high priced.
He suggested that I create a relationship with a printer on the mainland, where prices were better, and take orders. I knew NOTHING about printing, except for wedding invitations. But I got a catalog from a printer, and stopped in a few businesses to see if they needed business cards. Some did, and I got 3 orders the first day. I collected 50% deposit, which was enough to pay the printer, and when I delivered the cards, the rest of the money was my profit. I placed a small classifed for business card printing in the local paper, and my phone starting ringing. I said "I must be in business!"
I taught myself the business, and it grew organically. It was "needed", and as my customers got to know me as reliable and economical, they asked for various print materials. My gross sales the first year, was $50.000, the second year, it doubled, and the third year it tripled.
There are many "needs"; it can really pay off to be able to "see" these, and find a way to fulfill them. With the internet as an equalizer, you don't need money to offer services. I loved being a "broker" because I didn't need to use any of my own money, which I had little of. If you can bring people with needs and services together, you can make money.
3.
Create a job position for yourself.I also did this in Hawaii. Because I was a print broker, I also was asked to help with advertising layout. I knew nothing about this either, so I studied advertising from books written by the top people in the industry. If I saw a newspaper ad that I thought might need some help, I'd call the company, and offer to redo their ad, in a more effective way. Once I did this, and the company started getting more business from it, I was able to make a proposal that I be their marketing person, on a monthly retainer. Remember, I had no credentials of any kind, but I knew enough to design an effective ad. That was 1990, and I asked for $2500 a month as their marketing consultant. This was in additon to running a full time business as a print broker.
At this time, I'm disabled so I can't do the work I have been doing for the past 12 years, as a house manager. So, I'm doing what I did in Hawaii, looking for people who "need" something that I'm able to do.
Recently I stopped in an antique store that seem to be langishing on the vine, and found the owner reading a book, in the back corner. If this was my business, I'd have a laptop, and be listing everything I could on EBay, etc. I asked if she did list things on EBay, and she replied "no, I don't like the computer." I then offered to list a few things for her, and she said "I'll think about it." What's there to think about? She's in business to sell antiques, and there's hardly ever anyone in there. I predict that she won't be able to survive, without using some other selling strategies. I've done that with 2 antique stores. So far, both don't like computers, but haven't taken me up on my offer. Since I'm a photographer, I can provide 2 services.
4.
Borrow books on creative careers from the library. Learn a new skill.
Recently, I've seen a few offers for apprentice jobs, where you can get paid to learn. I've read many great books, but the one I'm reading now is called
"
Cool Careers for Dummies"
5.
Try part time jobs that are always hiring. One of these is Mystery Shopping. When I did that before I became disabled, I got 2 books on it, which gave me a wealth of informaltion and resources. There's a high demand for this kind of thing. Some don't pay well, but others do. These books help to sort this out. One book is "Mystery Shopping Made Simple" and the other is "The Mystery Shopper's Manual". Very cheap copies are available from Amazon.
Gardening- this is a great time to offer your services to individuals wanting to plant gardens, or need help maintaining their garden. It can be hard work, but it's very therapuetic and brings in cash. Many people have an abundance of fruit, which can be sold by going around the neighborhood.
There's a lot of waste. I've been searching the outcast produce behind markets, for juicing, and also for my compost.
6.
Use your free time to research, study, and learn something new
I know how difficult it can be to focus when we feel depressed, but somehow we must do some small thing each day to bring us closer to what we want and need. The option isn't pretty, as we can spiral down pretty quickly.
7.
Make your main job to find out where the various resources are.
I've discovered free food is available at many places in Sonoma county, especially for low income, disabled, and seniors. Craigs List still has a free section, and if you're willing to pick them up, they could be sold.
8.
Have garage sales with discards from other garage sales. I've gone around to garage sales, and given my number when the sale is over. People don't want to look at that stuff anymore, and usually have to take it to a thrift store. Save them the trouble, pick it up and have a garage sale with it.
There are many other things I could suggest, but for now I'll see how the response is, and hope people want to see more.
Don't let the news be your guide! Let yourself be guided from within.
In the Spirit,
[email protected]