Here are some inside tips and information about the world of work:
– The way up: Cliff Hakin, a career and executive coach based in Boston, wants to “reframe the career ladder.”
Hakin’s approach, which I think is a helpful one, is based on this theory: “Up is not the only way.”
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Instead, the career coach’s route to the top is what he calls the “career lattice.”
Writing in his new book, “We Are All Self-Employed: How to Take Control of Your Career” (Berrett-Koehler, $17.95), Hakin says in part that a career ladder suggests that only “up usually means success.” But a career lattice means that “movement is flexible–up, down and from side to side.”
Only considering promotions as progress “brainwashes us to compete with others for more pay, prestige, visibility and for the fewer jobs at the top,” warns Hakin.
“On the other hand, the career lattice affords different ways to think and act, thereby increasing opportunity and opening passageways for contribution.”
What I like most about the “trellis” to the top is that it says you are in control of your career, and promotions aren’t the only measure of success. That helps equalize some of the power your boss has over your climb.
– The way out. What is one of the greatest forces behind a healthier–and happier–job market in this decade? The U.S. Department of Labor reports the secret to growth is you, the consumer.
“About 61 percent of all jobs in 2010 are expected to be the result of consumer expenditures,” according to Occupational Outlook Quarterly, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Consumer spending creates jobs in all occupations to some extent, whereas other components of the gross national product, such as investment, have a more restricted effect on occupations.
“Between 2000 and 2010, just two major occupational groups–service and professional and related occupations–are projected to account for almost 70 percent of the new jobs due to consumer-related employment.”
Among the occupations with the largest number of new jobs projected are, according to demand, food and beverage servers; nursing, psychiatric and home health aides; registered nurses; information and record clerks; teachers; chefs and food preparation workers; cashiers and retail salespeople, and building cleaning workers.
Not surprisingly, the consumer market and employment market are joined at the cash register.
– The road to mental health. How do you deal with the unfairness and frustration of losing your job? Is it really OK to kick, scream and yell?
Career coach Sandra J. Bishop, president of Executive Solutions, based in Chicago, says yes, it is. For a while.
“Daily, for a set amount of time, allow your feelings to surface,” advises Bishop. “Don’t censor yourself. If necessary, put a pillow over your head and scream. Buy a Nerf bat and let your bed have it. Go for a run.”
These are ways to “release your anger constructively,” she adds. “You’ll be more effective and steadfast if you get your emotions out of the way each day before starting your job search.
“But when the allotted time is up, stop!”
My advice: Once a day for 10 minutes during your first week of unemployment should do it. Then, stop feeling sorry for yourself and get on with your life.
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Monday’s and Tuesday’s Business sections. Hear her on WBBM Newsradio 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. Mondays and 11:20 a.m. Saturdays. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV. E-mail [email protected].