We all want security. In a time of high unemployment and job insecurity, many people look for careers that will be recession proof. Sadly, like the unicorn, such jobs do not exist. Even healthcare, which is clearly a growing field, churns jobs. My clients in this field have told stories of layoffs and reorganizations. Several hospitals in Chicago have reorganized departments and laid off staff. One of my clients survived a layoff. She had to take over a co-worker’s job and her staff had to take on the duties of other laid off workers. So much for recession proof jobs in healthcare. Rather than seeking a security that doesn’t exist, the best career strategy is to be prepared for any challenge or opportunity. Change happens. Make the most of it.
January 9, 2013
April 25, 2012
Leaving a “Good” Company
One of my clients, let’s call him Larry, has worked for a large bank since graduating from college four years ago. He has been promoted twice and received a 9% raise last year. Sounds good so far. However, Larry has seen unexpected changes come to his department. One of his co-workers, a man who spent 25 years with the company, was laid off for reasons that Larry and most of his co-workers think are political. His department has also been moved from an HR function to Finance, which could mean more layoffs.
Larry’s story reminds us that promotions and raises don’t mean long term security. He has decided to update his resume and start looking for other opportunities because he no longer trusts his current employer. Too much change. Too much uncertainty.
Larry is putting himself in a position to manage his career. Too many people in a similar situation deny reality and tell themselves, “It’s not going to happen to me.” Larry is being proactive, and that’s the first step to being in control.
May 31, 2010
Chicago Teachers Fight Back
In These Times Magazine reports on changes in the Chicago Teachers Union. While the incumbent leadership group won the first round of a recent election, it faces a new faction CORE (Congress of Rank and File) in a run off. This group opposes the system’s recent move to replace traditional schools with charter schools. The 30,000 member union has lost 6,000 members over recent years in which the number of charter schools have expanded.
As I’ve written before, experts in the media and representatives of employers pack all the blame for their problems on employee salaries, usually salaries of working class and middle class workers. Hopefully, CORE is a sign that working people are fed up with layoffs, salary cuts, and furlough days. May working people in other industries follow the example of these brave teachers.
Follow this link to read the article.
