At our Thursday afternoon staff meeting, we were told our contract would be renewed. Oh, happy day! Friday morning, we were told that we no longer were employed! Oops! Some of the staff cried with disbelief, disappointment, and panic. They began passing out resumes before we left the room. Others were overjoyed and began planning their vacations. And, still others looked at the lay-off as opportunities to re-engineer and re-energize their careers. They welcomed the opportuniites to make much-needed changes. If you recognize that it is time for a change in your career and are prepared to start the journey, begin with these tips: Remember: "what you are never changes; who you are changes often."

• Be prepared - Know thy self. Confidence, self-discipline, and persistence will help you achieve professional and personal growth. But it is very important that you define who you are and what you want to accomplish. Ask family and friends to tell you what they honestly think of you. You may think your advice –giving is helpful. They may think it’s overwhelmingly none-of-your-business! Be honest with yourself.

• Have a standard and quality of life. Develop a Career Investment Plan. This will help you to learn to calculate your worth. Identify what you have to offer. Be able to articulate and demonstrate your skills. And, never undervalue yourself.

• Highlight your abilities and capabilities, including the capability to work smart - continuously. Learn to tell your story and repeat it often. Let everyone know you are seeking career opportunities. Explain to employers why they need you.
“If you keep knocking long and hard enough, some one is bound to open the door.” -DMX

• Showcase your accomplishments for today’s labor market through social networking sites. If you don’t know how to utilize the sites efficiently, seek help. Don’t forget the good old-fashioned way of face-to-face interaction. Opportunities are endless.

• Learn new and creative job search and career strategies for our changing workforce. Research transitional career and work options. Try creating and using virtual business cards and on-line resumes complete with audio, graphics and pictures.

• Develop an on-going interest in finding new learning experiences. When networking, remember the 80/20 rule. Listen 80%; takes notes 20%. Keep up with the trends (political, business, humanitarian, ego-friendly). Where do you fit it? Are there other opportunities, such as self-employment?

• Salesmanship! Expand your job search skills to include marketing and sales techniques. You can’t sell yourself until you know what you’re selling and how to sell it. You are the product. Think - leadership qualities, social boldness, intuitiveness and charisma.

• Laughing is a must. Rejections are just rejections. Each one is just one step closer to the career of your choice!