You need a new job. Whether you are job searching or trying to improve your job skills, Bad Economy Jobs will help you. We are in this recession together and any job searching tips can make the difference in employment. Read about the recession proof jobs, best jobs in a bad economy, online schooling, stimulus jobs and how to advertise your resume.

Looking at recession graphs like the one below might freak you out a bit.

4.4 Million jobs were lost in the last 14 months and it looks incredibly bad compared to the 1990 and 2001 recessions. So when will the lines swing upward? I don’t know and I’m willing to bet none of the well paid economic forecasters know either. So are you going to wait around for things to get better or get started now? You need a job now and graphs like this will not change that fact.

Now for that new job. The steps are simple, once you have them written out.

1. Change your mentality about “that” job. Let your pride go. Once you have done that, you will get rid of the barriers you put on yourself. If you get laid off, don’t call the new job, a “survivor job”. It is just as important as your old job even if it lower paying or requires more physical labor. Your mentality about this must change.

2. Send those resumes out. Post your name like a billboard so everybody can see.

3. Don’t wait around for the job interviews and responses to come to you. Be active in your search and make use of your time by networking with friends and family.

Found an article and it made me think about some points I’ve already addressed in previous  posts but need to add on to them.  

“It’s humbling,” Trabanco said as he waited outside an American Apparel store in Manhattan. The 50-year-old, who said he used to earn more than $100,000 a year, only briefly considered leaving when he realized he was among the oldest people in line for a chance at a job that may pay as little as $9 an hour. “You can’t be proud,” he said.

It certainly is humbling but where did all his savings go? Making more than $100,000 a year and nothing to fall back on? It’s probably more than humbling, it’s lifestyle changing. If only he was more frugal and planned better. At least he has the right idea by ditching being prideful and taking whatever job opportunities are available. His heart is in the right place but it’s not efficient job searching.

“We were a little surprised,” said Beth Sharp, senior vice president for human resources at closely held Aerosoles of Edison, New Jersey. The footwear maker drew 175 applicants for 20 positions, Sharp said.

 
If you are applying for a job and see there are 175 people waiting on a line, how long do you think it would take for you to get interviewed? It’s not very time efficient. You can use that time to job search and post resumes. Even volunteering would be a better use of your time. Don’t follow the masses when there are job opportunities. Even if you are the best candidate for the job, use your time more efficiently.

A job loading trucks or stocking shelves used to get 50 applications and now attracts as many as 300, Firth said.

In a bad economy, finding a stable job is just as important as saving and being frugal while you job search. Money is spread thin and you should be able to make every dollar last. Frugal living works if you put the hard work into it. I don’t suggest getting out of the rat race, buying land and growing your own food, but you can try these ideas. 

Cook your own food, and make your lunch the day before. Using McDonald’s numbers, a meal cost at least $6. You can make a big bowl of pasta and save some for lunch. That’s two or three meals for the price of one.

Stop going out to dinner and/or ordering takeout.

Take mass transportation if it is available. This one requires a lot more planning and organizing. You would have to figure out routes and time schedules but you eliminate car insurance, car payments and car maintenance. For the times when you require a car, rent.

Cut your telephone lines and get a single number. If you use less than 60 minutes total on phone calls, get a prepaid phone contract.

Some people might feel they should be rewarded after being so frugal. Don’t let yourself get caught in that trap. You should be rewarded but that reward should be something abstract like the feeling of stability. If you really want something physical, how about rewarding yourself with a walk in the park with some ice cream. (Grab a spoon and buy a pint of ice cream from the supermarket. Much cheaper than an ice cream parlor.)

It will be tough for everyone but remember that we are all in this together.