I hear you and I understand

Several of you have direct messaged Twitter @Job_Security over the past few weeks asking why I hadn't been posting as much, and when I was planning to offer my next class at Kaplan University. Recently, life has made me starkly aware of the fact that despite my best intentions, sometimes I just don't have the energy to get everything done.

For years I have encouraged job seekers to set benchmarks for yourselves and keep going even when you're tired. Aside from a job or job search, there is so much to which we find ourselves committed these days -- families, sports, clubs, housework, gardens, paperwork, etc.

Spring is arriving and not a day too soon for many. I spent a day I had reserved for organizing my tax back-up for my accountant to instead cleaning out my garage. A friend is coming to visit this week and it didn't make sense for her to park on the street just because half my garage was disorganized. Now she can park inside -- but my taxes still need to be prepped. How many times have you set time aside to do something only to spend it on something else? Does it help to know that you're not alone?

For those who are discouraged about long job searches, I hear you and I understand. Life is never as simple as only handing us one challenge at a time.

In addition to writing this blog, guest lecturing at multiple universities, granting interviews to national publications and continually researching the newest, hottest job resources, I'm also the Director of Marketing & PR for two hospitals. It's an exciting challenge and I love it. But it means I often come home to a sink with dirty dishes or a garbage that "needs to go out" today.

And on top of this, my dad is very ill. He was diagnosed with aggressive kidney cancer in January. How many of your are like me in that work and projects offer up an emotional escape from dealing with the realities of life?

I'm still going to encourage you to keep the faith, keep setting benchmarks, and keep networking. If you haven't taken the time to plug yourself into the Green Light Scoring Model for several months or more than a year, do yourself a favor and make the time to revisit this. You may find that your interests or your priorities have changed. The Green Light Scoring Model (included in the Creating Job Security Resource Guide) can support you in finding the job that is most ideal for you right now.

And finally, when you don't accomplish everything on your list, try not to feel discouraged or lose hope. What matters is that you do the best you can with each day you have.

State of the Union to Focus on Jobs - it’s time to put forth real solutions that get Americans back to work!

With nearly 16 million people officially unemployed and millions more underemployed, it seems only natural that unemployment is top of mind for most Americans, and that it should be President Obama's focus for the State of the Union speech this coming Wednesday. Despite the political sensitivities of the moment, employement (or unemployment) is not merely a political platform. It's an American concern and something all leaders should be concerned with working together on rather than using to distinguish themselves from their philosophical opponents.

While each side will have their say and the political pundits will no doubt weigh in too, unemployment should be a concern that brings us together.

If you are among the millions of families affected by the economy -- and who isn't? -- it doesn't matter which sides exist or which political party is more concerned with which "voters." It shouldn't be about unions or non-union workers. There is only one issue that matters and that is how government and business will work together to incent job growth.

Even healthcare reform, while of critical importance, has become a divisive diversion and should be shelved temporarily while we work together to get Americans back to work. Just as the country came together after 9-11, it's time to come together to create real solutions that get Americans working and America back on track.

If you are looking for a job or a career in a specific industry, the 2010 edition of the Creating Job Security Resource Guide includes specific job portals that post jobs that are available now in the following industries: accounting, advanced manufacturing, avaiation, bilingual job opportunities, biotech / pharmaceuticals, broadcasting / news, chefs / food preparation, computer jobs / IT, construction, creative professionals... and 30 more industries you or someone you know may be interested in today.

Creating Job Security Resource Guide 2010 edition has arrived!

For so many, 2009 was a year we're only far too happy to say goodbye to as we welcome 2010. For those still unemployed -- 75% of those who lost jobs in 2009 were men -- the promise of a better job market ahead cannot come soon enough.

As the job market recovers in 2010, and it will, the secret to finding the job you want, need, and are qualified for will be finding the resources that connect you to hiring managers in your field. While large job portals have their place, hiring managers can afford to cherry-pick the best and brightest job candidates right now. And to find job seekers with industry experience, they're turning to industry specific job portals rather than to the big boards.

Creating Job Security Resource Guide, 2010 edition, includes nearly 130 critical job resources you need to find the job you want this week or this month.

To get you started, here a a few of my favorites. More are included in Chapter 6:
Advanced Manufacturing - CareerMe.com
Biotech/Pharmaceuticals - Biospace.com
Educational tutoring - Tutor.com
Freelance jobs and temp work - FlexJobs.com (this is an awesome site!)
Hospitality - hCareers.com
Human Resources - Ajilon.com
Marketing / PR - CareerJet.com

If you know someone who is looking for a job or a career, there is no better guide than the Creating Job Security Resource Guide, 2010 edition. At just $8.95, it will cost you less than a bistro sandwich for lunch.

Thanks to the Mike Siegel Show in Seattle, Wash. for inviting me to guest on the Dec. 23, 2009 show dedicated to the economy and jobs market. To listen to this broadcast, download or save the MP3 at http://www.sendspace.com/file/er8lsh

It's All About You...

Share your story. Most people have been forced to come up with creative ways to reduce their expenses or bring in additional income. Many families have experienced either a reduction of hours (income) or a layoff by one or both breadwinners in the house.

How has the economy affected your family? What have you done that others could learn from? Please share your messages to support and uplift others who may be facing a similar circumstance.

GREAT NEWS!! The Creating Job Security Resource Guide -- 2010 edition is almost out. Last year's edition had more than 75 online resource.

This year's edition include 130 online hot job resources!!! Wow! Most of the new resources fall under industry specific job portals. If you see an industry we missed, and you know of a great job portal to recommend, post it here. We'll credit you with finding it and make it available to job seekers around the world.