Ever since I was a child, I understood that there was a class system in America.  There were the “haves” and “have nots” and you knew which category you fell into.  I have always considered the middle class to be a large group with a lower middle class and an upper middle class with professional careers ranging from teachers and skilled tradespeople to attorneys.  It was a common theme amongst parents in my community to tell their children that “they” can take anything from you, but they can’t take away your education.  “They” were defined as those in society who may barrier or impede your success.  If individuals choose to abandon pursuit of knowledge, skill and/or education, why should it be society’s burden?  If someone chooses to quit their job, have 5 kids, and live off of state assistance, why must taxpayers bear the cost?  I know this sounds very Republican of me (Note: I am a registered Independent and I detest the GOP), but it seems as if every day American citizens are asked to shoulder more and more of the cost.  I’m in support of federal and state assistance for those who are not able-bodied or minded, but it boils me to see the system being used as a catch-all for those who have made poor decisions and don’t want to work for a living.

Personal accountability in our society has gone by the wayside, and now taxpayers have become the responsible parties.  Unions have now stepped in, demanding that the Employee Free Choice Act, which strips worker’s rights to a secret-ballot election, be passed in order to aid in the middle class restoration process.  Specifically, Unions are pitching it as a means to provide a “living wage” for entry-level workers that will allow them to provide for their families, oftentimes on one salary.  You’d be amazed as what is considered a living wage in communities across the country.   Pennsylvania State University has put together a living wage calculator which shows precisely how much it costs to live in different areas in the country based on your family size.  For a couple with two children in New Haven, CT, it states that the “living wage” is $28.76/hr.  This is more money than I made after my first job after graduate school in 2000.    I would never expect that I could abandon educational pursuits, pop out two or more children while working at Wal-Mart part-time.  I would also not have the expectation to receive fully paid health benefits at no cost to me with a pension that will allow me to afford a “dignified retirement” and retiree health insurance.   The entitlement culture that has been bred in America’s society only serves to deter people from the path to success.  It’s much easier to wait for someone else to give you the benefits that you have “earned” as a citizen.  As the great Homer Simpson once said, “If you really want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now, quiet! They’re about to announce the lottery numbers…”

1. Stop using illegal drugs (yes that includes weed folks). It sounds so simple, but I know many young people (21-35) who pass pre-employment drug tests and think that now that they are employed and random drug testing is illegal (in CT without reasonable suspicion), that they are free to use illegal drugs, including illegally obtained prescription drugs, once they are done.  You don’t want to be the “one who has a urine bag fall out of his pants leg as he’s going in for his/her drug test.”  It’s just not worth it.
2. Get in shape.  There’s nothing worse than an employee who has what my old roommate used to refer to as “civil service ass spread” when applying for a job.  This refers to the phenomenon that happens when healthy people take sedentary jobs. Take care of your health, eat well, and lose weight, if necessary.   Let’s face it, in today’s competitive market, you want to look and feel your best if you are faced with job loss.  It’s a confidence killer and no matter what people say, lookism is alive and well.  While you’re at it, get a fresh haircut, make a visit to the dentist and get some white strips to bleach out those coffee and wine stains.
3. Update your resume now! This is a world of worker complacency.  Smart individuals update their resume every year or so to ensure that their experience and accomplishments are captured.  Many others wait until they receive official news and while in panic mode, struggle to put together a resume that captures who they are as an employee.  Get a copy of your job description, if necessary, and your performance reviews that list your accomplishments and send it to your home.   This will be helpful, especially if you aren’t really sure what you do.  You laugh, but it happens.  Get your resume DONE, have it reviewed by someone (or several folks) that you trust.  And when you do your resume, list accomplishments, not job duties.  For professional and managers, no one really cares about the minutiae involved in your day to day transactional work.
4. Network in your field of expertise.  If you haven’t been to a professional networking meeting in 5 years, you might think that now might not be the time to go, but the opposite is true.  It’s best to network when you STILL have a job.  Networking is near useless when you’re surrounded by a group of folks who are all in transition.  Network and seek out those who are still employed or those who are influential in your field.  Network online AND offline.
5. Review job postings in your field to see whether there is a demand in your area/region.  If not, consider other ways to market your skills and customize a resume that will help you move into another arena.    Analytical ability, project management, and problem solving are examples of skills that are needed in many fields.  Many employers are willing to hire someone with a different set of skills if they feel that demonstrate the competencies required for success in the job.

If you do make it through layoffs, you have done a good exercise and you have more time to continue with networking and bettering your health.  If you get laid off, think of it this way, at least you have your health!  You also are far ahead of the game when it comes to beginning your job search and have already made some of those key connections.   Oh and if you are laid off and given a decent severance, don’t postpone looking for a job until severance money has run out.  The economic outlook likely isn’t going to be any better in 6 months than it is today.  Start now and if you get a job early, you’ll have extra money to put towards your savings, bills, or most importantly, your family.