Don’t Be Scared, Big Bird! Be Prepared. Part I

By Diony Cespedes

During the October 3^rd Presidential Debate, Governor Romney threatened to "stop the subsidy to PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)" explaining that although he "love(d) Big Bird," a popular character on a PBS-produced show, Sesame Street, he didn't want "to borrow money from China to pay for [public television]." Within seconds and for the remainder of the week, Sesame Street fans on social media denounced Romney, showing support for PBS through parodies of Sesame Street characters, including my favorite: a picture of Big Bird holding a sign reading, "Will work for food."  Buried under the jokes and politics, however, are PBS employees who may be worried about losing their jobs.  And they aren't alone.  The recession may be over, but layoffs continue.

Waiting weeks or months to hear if you will be losing your job can be nerve-wracking.  You can empower yourself, however, by improving your performance at work while building contingency plans from home.  In this two-part article, I'll share strategies to help you regain control.

1. Create a disaster plan.

Imagine the worst that can happen and create a plan to improve the situation.  Answer questions like:

• How much money do you have today?
• What monthly expenses can you cut?
• What resources are available to you (e.g., friends, family, government programs)?
• What could each resource provide?
• What legal services/jobs could you perform for emergency cash (e.g., sweeping/cleaning for small businesses, typing, and fast food jobs)?

If your worst fears include serious poverty, add contact information for social services in your city (e.g., food banks, housing authority, churches, hospitals).

2.  Create a best case scenario plan.

What's the best thing that can happen?  Dream big. Your vision may include a new, higher-paying job in the same industry, an entirely different career, or your own business. Ask yourself:

• How will you achieve your goal?
• Who can help you at each step?
• How much time will you need?
• Is training and or funding necessary?

3.  Inventory your skills to generate ideas for a small business.
Create a chart including:

• your skills/abilities
•  products/services you can create using each skill
• potential customers
• marketing tactics
• pricing for each service

4.  Network with friends, family, and professional organizations.

Every event is a networking opportunity (e.g., weddings, industry meetings).  Make an effort to meet new people, learn about their careers and companies, and share information about yourself.  When appropriate, discreetly ask about job opportunities.  That said, don't be the 'desperate job seeker' everyone avoids at the party.  Be genuinely interested in others and able to discuss non-work related topics (e.g., pop culture).

To prepare:

•  Practice a one- minute verbal description of your current job and career interests
• Update your Linked-in profile and or resume
• Research information about job opportunities at your company to share with other networkers  

I wish you a pleasant and productive week.

Diony Cespedes, MBA is a financial fitness coach and business strategist. She founded Sole Strivers,LLC , a wealth-building consultancy, to provide coaching, programs, and publications to help clients attain financial goals. Sole Strivers specializes in helping clients reach their first $100,000 in liquid net worth through behavior changes, career strategy, and entrepreneurship. Email her at diony@solestrivers.com; read her blog at solestrivers.wordpress.com; and follow her on Twitter@solestrivers.

Related Articles

Free Money? Evaluating Low Interest Deals