You’ve Been Laid Off: Now What?
Tips on Making Your Next Career Move Recession Resistant
By: Shelly Short, The Refrigeration School, Inc.
It is a sign of our times. You have been laid off and career prospects in your current industry aren’t very promising. As you evaluate your next steps, consider this – your job loss may be an opportunity to explore an entirely new career direction. Here are some tips to help you gain perspective on choosing a profession that not only is right for you but can offer some protection during economic downturns.
1. Evaluate your strengths and interests
Choosing the right career involves balancing your interests, skills, work-related values, and personality. What do you like to do? What are your hobbies? Whether you do your own evaluation or use a career counselor, all of these things should play a role in choosing a vocation that is right for you. If you love to work with your hands and be challenged by problem-solving, some careers, such as climate control, combine both.
2. Consider your career opportunities
A career is frequently a lifelong decision, lasting 30 years or more. Climate control and refrigeration have become a global necessity in almost every environment and have created diverse opportunities all over the world. What are the opportunities for growth in your chosen profession? Is the career you are considering versatile? Will you be able to find a job anywhere? Is it potentially recession-resistant?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is expected to increase by nearly nine percent by 2016.
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-9 Edition. Job growth projected between 2006-2016.
http://www.bls.gov/emp/noeted/empnumb.htm)
3. Income potential
The more “in demand” a job is, the greater the income potential and career advancement opportunities. Changes in environmental conditions worldwide, increased interest in healthy living and improvements in architectural design have spurred interest in climate control. This has created lucrative opportunities with long-term career advancement options. Is the career you’re seeking considered essential by others?
4. Talk to the pros
Nothing compares to speaking with people in the industry you are considering. Get the straight story from those who have been there and understand what it takes to succeed. Any pros you meet will also be potential contacts for future job hunting. If you don’t know someone personally, call a business or vocational school that knows the industry and ask questions. Attend open houses and job fairs.
5. Talk with family and friends
Making a successful career transition relies on your enthusiasm and your support team. Communicate with family and friends about your aspirations and interests. Listen to their feedback. If your new career involves retraining, investigate schools that excel at training within your area of interest. Take your entire family on a campus tour so that everyone is comfortable with your decision.
Considering a new career is not easy, but if you take the time to ask yourself the right questions, it may be the best move you have ever made.
Shelly Short is the marketing manager for The Refrigeration School, Inc.(RSI) in Phoenix, Ariz. RSI is a leader in technical education for students seeking professional careers as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and electrical technicians as well as maintenance engineers.
