Are You Part of the New Underclass?

Scroll down to read more!

Are You Part of the New Underclass?

Scroll down to read more!

Table of Contents

Check out the attached link. Unemployment Stats. It shows the unemployment percentages across the US.  At first glance, it might scare the “Bee-Jesus” out of you!  (But don’t worry…read on!)

As of February 1, 2013 and according to www.about.com , the unemployment rate had initially doubled from when the recession began in December 2007, but has since fallen.  They say that unemployment will more than likely stay at or above 8% through 2012.  That’s because there is a lack of confidence in the market that the economy will stay strong and employers are reluctant to hire new workers until they are absolutely sure the economy will remain “Steady-Eddie”! 

So what are we to do with the reality of unemployment?

“Meet the new underclass — the four million Americans who have been unemployed for more than a year. With every additional week out of work, their chances of finding a job dwindle. It turns out that many employers don’t want to hire the currently unemployed. Enter Joe Carbone, who is determined to return the American dream to the long-term unemployed in Connecticut. And he’s succeeding, one job at a time. How’s Carbone doing it?” (The preceding was an excerpt from, “Trapped in Unemployment” which aired on Feb. 19, 2012.)

Well, Joe Carbone is essentially a job coach.  He is the president of something called, “The Workplace” and he works with people who have found themselves in the predicament of long-term unemployment.  He is coaching their minds towards change, acceptance and creating a new game plan for life!

Here is his check list for embracing change and getting out of the trap of unemployment!

  • Change your mind! – When you have been unemployed beyond a year going on 2, unemployment can erode your self-confidence, your self-esteem.  Being unemployed “separates you from your profession, your education, whatever you might have done previously.  There are all sorts of things. It causes divorces. It causes problems with children.”   Don’t allow unemployment to define you!
  • Confront your fears and depression of being unemployed! It can be debilitating to think that you won’t be able to take care of yourself…But you will – promise!
  • The Resume: The rules have changed over the years!  You’re not mailing in a job application on the proper stock paper.  You’re applying on-line.  If a potential employer tries to look you up on the internet and comes up with nothing – than you’re not relevant!
  • Discrimination against unemployment: Sadly, there is an unspoken that if you’ve been unemployed for a year or longer that maybe you’re just lazy.  You’ve got to be able to be authentic and explain what you’ve been doing while you’ve been in between jobs.  Don’t sit idle – Volunteer!
  • Social Media: Get your profile up on LinkedIn!  It’s the number one site for any professional!
  • Don’t be Prideful: Apply for part-time positions.  Apply to the grocery store, the local burger joint…anywhere that will give you a chance to succeed and prove yourself.  Don’t hold your ego and self-esteem in your college education.  You never know where a new career can start!
  • It’s not about the paycheck: It’s about being purposeful!  It’s about the, “hustle bustle of everybody going to work.”  It’s about having dignity.

Joe Carbone is addressing unemployment from a realistic approach. Get current with the employment process.  Become relevant so a potential employer can find you on the internet.  Be flexible in obtaining work.  Certainly pursue your niche, but do not rule out flipping burgers if needed.  Money is money and having dignity is priceless!

How are you cooping with your newly found status?

Are you living your life the same or changing up your lifestyle? 

Did you like this post? Share it!

6 Comments

  1. Kathleen thanks for sharing this.

    You make some fantastic points – particularly the ones about leveraging social media sites like LinkedIn and showing what you’ve done between jobs. Volunteering during time off and putting it on the resume is extremely value added compared against an empty gap.

    Thanks for sharing this, and keep writing.

    Best,

    Rory

  2. I think changing your mind about being unemployed is the top thing on this list. For those who have been unemployed for an extended amount of time, it is time for a paradigm shift. Be positive and start doing things you haven’t done in the past. There are jobs out there, you just need to go find them!

Comments are closed.

A Word From Our Sponsors

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

Recommended Posts

27 Companies Who Hire Adults With Autism

List of companies who hire and employ adults who are neurodiverse. ...

The Costs of Form I-9 Software

Read the complexities of Form I-9 compliance software costs. We break down pricing structures, features & benefits to help HR professionals....

Episode 415: Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Clean Energy Sector With Dr. Janell Hills

In this episode, we interview Dr. Janell Hills from IREC about developing registered apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector....
Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Q&A With Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart

Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries. ...
supporting caregivers: the sandwich generation at work

Supporting Caregivers: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ at Work

Are companies doing what they should to support employees who become caregivers? ...

Recruiting Reimagined: How Specialized Software Strengthens Hiring in 2024

Even during fluctuating economic crosswinds, the war for talent remains white-hot across most industries. To efficiently staff crucial openings while staying within strained budgets,...

Checkout Our Products

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

More From Workology

Recruiting Reimagined: How Specialized Software Strengthens Hiring in 2024

Click on read more to open this post on our blog.
supporting caregivers: the sandwich generation at work

Supporting Caregivers: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ at Work

Are companies doing what they should to support employees who become caregivers?
Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Q&A With Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart

Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Episode 415: Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Clean Energy Sector With Dr. Janell Hills

In this episode, we interview Dr. Janell Hills from IREC about developing registered apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector.