A search on the internet will bring up thousands of articles about job retraining. As I recently studied some of the data presented in these articles and resources there was one common thread. Not everyone was better off because of these retraining programs.
One such article found on the website of CBS News states that many are indeed getting help but that this help does not always translate into a better job. It states that "there has been a shift in the United States from jobs that produce goods to those that provide services". So for many displaced workers this is actually a good trend because many of them have a skill set that can be transferred over to the services sector.
Most of my article will discuss the opportunities that abound because of this trend (I'll be addressing that shortly).
Current job retraining programs are offered either by employers who are in the process of laying off their employees or by various government agencies set up precisely to offer this type of assistance. In theory these job retraining programs should be a god-send for such employees but the facts reveal a different reality.
This was addressed in a recent article in The New York Times which stated "an internal Labor Department report says the Government job training program for workers hurt by foreign trade is largely ineffective and used primarily as an income crutch for the unemployed".
Another issue that complicates the ineffectiveness of job retraining programs is the fact that there has been very slow economic growth this year, and it's expected there won't be enough to spur job growth next year, either. In essence, there is a strong possibility that once you complete your job retraining you may still be out of a job. So what options does one have in such a climate?
Welcome to the Information Age
A good chunk of the jobs that have been eliminated in the U.S. are in the textiles, printing businesses, automotive, apparel and other industries. Those jobs are gone because of foreign competition and new technology.
According to the same New York Times article, "Many people find they're forced to do something new, so they're doing one of three things: taking on work they're over-qualified to do (a lot of people right now are under-employed); pursuing their passions or turning hobbies into careers". This group of people are actually finding a whole new field opening up to them that is more resistant to current economic turmoil. They are marketing their knowledge and skills to a broader scope of employers and sometimes customers.
In order to succeed in the midst of any set of economic conditions a successful worker (self-employed included) need to have more than just job retraining options. Options that will open new doors because the ground work has already been laid. For many of you this has already been done because of your networking efforts and marketing of your resume with the appropriate job placement services. Here's a thought - instead of servicing or securing customers for your current or prospective employer why not attract your own customers?
Make Your Knowledge Sell
If you've been in the work force for any length of time then you've had a chance to acquire some very valuable experience and knowledge in a particular niche. Most employers provide ongoing training that helps us maintain or improve our productivity. For example if you're in the insurance or medical field you're always being sent to training classes or seminars to keep abreast of what's happening in the industry. You've been accumulating a great deal of knowledge that only your employer was benefiting from. Now's your chance to make your knowledge sell.
Telecommuting for the Workplace Disabled
One category you don't read about much with regards to the current level of unemployment in this country is the disabled and the job retraining opportunities available to them. Many who are currently unemployed are in this state because of a workplace injury or a condition brought on because of their job. Many times this makes it difficult or nearly impossible to find new work.
These disabilities or physical limitations hinder job candidates from even getting out to the job site to hold an interview. The good news is that even for these candidates in many cases they can still turn their knowledge and expertise into an income generating vehicle right from their own home. Many employers are willing to hire candidates to telecommute because of the savings involved for the employer. Telecommuting gives many employers the chance to hire highly qualified people from around the country or the world without incurring significant relocation expenses. In some cases this eventually leads to the opportunity for these employees to branch out on their own and do some freelancing. This is one of the most powerful forms of job retraining.
Time to think "Outside the Box"
One thing is for sure. Things will never be what they once were. Our global economy is making sure of that. How it effects you depends on whether you see your glass as "half full" or "half empty".
I experienced what was for me a traumatic loss in 1999. After eighteen years of trying to build a successful career in the Management Services industry I was suddenly unemployed. During that time I never once thought about networking or even building a resume. I was so focused on getting the results I believed would land me that secure position at the top. I really could have used some job retraining at that time.
If you'd like to find out how I overcame this predicament you can read the rest of this story on my website. I'm encouraging everyone to step outside their comfort zone and do what is best for them.
Luis A. Castillo is an accomplished webmaster and affiliate marketer who has been effectively marketing online for over 3 years. He specializes in the development of inexperienced online marketers through his blog and newsletters.
His passion is working with those who desire to step out on their own to create a more secure source of income in their spare time by working from home.
If you're interested in achieving your financial goal by undergoing a complete career makeover then you'll find his site helpful at Job Retraining
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