Our topic in tomorrow’s Event, Thursday, November 21st at The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison (9 AM – 10:30ish) is a reminder for you to be Embracing The Holidays ahead.

In keeping with The Careerpilot’s Embracing The OTHER Job Market philosophy, here’s a look at the TOP TEN WAYS TO STAY POSITIVE as you ramp up your efforts in The New Year.

1. Maintain ‘normal’ routine: The human body and its condition tends to fight change.  Don’t get into the bad habits of waking up late, ‘power naps’ in the afternoons or paying too much  attention to your ‘honey do list’ around the house and other distractions. Get up at your normal time, eat right and get some exercise (Walk your dog a mile a day whether you have a dog or not!).
2. Stay current with what’s happening in your industry and chosen profession: Don’t let yourself fall behind just because you’re not working. The best approach is regular ‘market research’ of your industry and chosen profession as a regular component of your Personal Marketing Plan.  
3. Positive thinking:  Let your research draw your mind to future possibilities rather than past  negative assumptions – you need to be able to bounce back. Concentrate on the skills and knowledge you have and how they may best be applied moving forward. Sitting around with a “woe is me” attitude is only going to further depress you.  Your closest in ‘support group’ is your best ally, here.  We will be discussing “Accountability Pairings.”  It may seem obvious, but…
4. Avoid negative people: Negative thinking is of no value to you. You need to be around positive people and people who can have a positive impact on your life.  Staying with this concept…
5. Support groups: You may feel as though you’re the only person in your situation without a job, but guess what – you’re not.  Reach out to people for support. There are many groups that provide excellent assistance in the areas of resume writing, interviewing, and job hunting. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. Let people help you change your life.
6. Explore potential new careers:  Is there a trend in the market that could be taken advantage of… is it time for a change?  Mid-career training and education has been the foundation of many “re-invented” careers.   It’s never too late to try to learn a foreign language or a new piece of computer software… or even gain some experience in a new function.
7. Network: maintain contacts and stay in touch with people. Make sure you network with positive people!! Again, avoid negativity. Negative thinking does nothing to help your situation.  Remember The Careerpilot’s third waypoint… “Always have a next contact to make…always!”
8. Volunteer: You can do this at a church, hospital, homeless shelter or non-profit organization will open your eyes to people who are less off than you and give you a sense of contribution. There is no greater reward than helping people who are less fortunate than us.
9. Manage your expectations: Not every job you apply for will be a success. Don’t be put off by this. Instead, concentrate on the positives and look at what you achieve each day. Be accountable for what you do each week.  Last but not least…
10. Don’t give up!  Jobs don’t find you, you find them!

Regulars and new comers, alike, are encouraged to suggest questions and topics for next week’s session.  What are some of the best lessons you have learned in the real world of job search–what had produced results for you?  What are some of the highest barriers to your job search SUCCESS?  Are there any special topics you would like to see covered?

This is PARTICIPANT’s CHOICE week, so don’t be shy.

This could become our most treasured session of the year… a real INTERACTIVE learning experience.  So, SHARE THIS POST with your network…bring a guest… come with an ‘accountability partner’ of choice.

ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS???? What’s that?

Following our Thanksgiving Day break, Thursday mornings will be for accountability pairs only on a scheduled basis…all the way into The New Year!  Oddly enough, our topic for Thursday the 21st is Embracing The Holidaze during jobsearch.