The Recession Doesn't Have To Be Depressing!

Hello Brooklyn! Today I'm feeling a little depressed about the recession and the toll that it has taken on my fellow New Yorkers (myself included). I've done a little research and according to the Department of Labor's statistics, as of July 15, 2010 the city's unemployment rate is 9.5 percent, despite the 8,300 jobs that were added to the private sector last month. In all fairness, this is a slight improvement from the city's 10.5 percent rate which existed at the end of 2009, but when will the economy "get better?"

I, along with several of my friends have been adversely affected by the decline (or should I demise) of the American economy. I lost my position as an Adjunct lecturer of a GED program administered by the CUNY, due to budget cuts. Of course this wasn't my dream job (I'd love to be the editor-and-chief of my own magazine) but it provided a steady income and it paid the bills; which is more than I can say for unemployment benefits. How does the average, middle/working class American who brought in 40-80K per year, now survive on $405 a week. And that's only if you are lucky enough to receive the maximum pay-out of the state's unemployment benefits (unfortunately I'm not)! Hopefully, we all have money stashed away for a rainy day, but the harsh reality is that the average American lives check-to-check.

So what do you do when the economy fails you? When the source of your livelihood is lost? And the prospect of your gaining new employment in a timely fashion is dismal because you, along with every Tom, Dick, and Harry are competing for the same position? Do you continue to send out countless resumes (you'd be silly not to), with the hope that yours will stand out in the sea of resumes piled on the desk of a HR representative? Or do you employ good 'ol nepotism, and ask Daddy to make a phone call? By the way, if this is an option, you should definitely use it! Or, do you go back to school to get another degree? Several of my friends seem to think so (Note: If you don't have a Bachelor's degree, it's probably a good idea)! But if you're like me and already posses a graduate or professional degree, and aren't really sure that a PhD is necessary to bring your goals into fruition; what's your best recourse of action during these trying times?

I say, tap into your talent! Find your niche and develop it to its fullest potential. That's what I've decided to do; become the writer, that I was born to be! There's no time like the present! Recognize your gift, foster your talent and hangout in the right circles. You never know who you will meet or what can happen; I'm surprised by the invaluable connections that I've made during the last few weeks alone! Definitely send out your resume, but don't wait around for it to be discovered; be as proactive as possible, become the master of your ship and control your destiny!

In hindsight, I guess being laid off wasn't so bad after all!