What two years would bring....

On January 4th, 2008 The government reported that the nation's jobless rate hit 5 percent in December 2007, a two-year high, fanning recession fears.  Well my friends, that number of jobless is doubled, in two years, it currently stands at 10%.  Fifteen Million, Four Hundred Thousand people without jobs.

Although Wall Street and Big Banks were bailed out there were still a great many number laid off.  Bankers, analysts, IT, administrative, right down to the cleaners.  It's tough to keep your chin up when you have been smacked over the head with a proverbial shovel. To add insult to injury, particularly if you've been laid off, there is at times a stigma associated with that moniker. And I'll be frank, if you've have been laid off, it can be a blow to your self esteem.

Here are some suggestions on getting back up on that horse and riding again;

1. Stop Procrastinating.  It is a waste of your valuable time. You are a worthy person who has a lot of experience, you are responsible and in control. Things happen for those who are at the crossroads of preparation and opportunity.- Some refer to that as luck.

2. Take a half hour to yourself each day. Reflect on positive thoughts. Read uplifting messages. Whether it's Guideposts or Reader's Digest or positive quotations found on the Internet, read something, because when it all boils down, only YOU can motivate yourself.

3. Excercise. You are never too old to start something. Stretch, Yoga, Pilates, Walking. Wondering where to get started? www.sparkpeople.com is a great place that's free. So is www.fitness.gov.

4.Make a plan. This goes into conjunction with #1. I wrote the other day about  making a list of possibilities. My friends, your possibilities are limited only by your imagination.  Set goals, write them down. Take the steps toward those goals and plans.

5. Find out who is hiring right now. Chances are, it's a government contractor who has won a contract to provide valuable services to the government.  Check out some of them hiring today.  No recruiters, no hopefully I'll get to talk to someone, it's the direct red line to those who are hiring. Some are small businesses others are International Conglomerates.  www.govtcontractorjobs.com

Have a fantastic week, because, my friends, it's Monday. Friday is a short 40 hour work week away. Simple. Employment. Solutions.  Find them here: www.govtcontractorjobs.com