This Holiday Season, Pay it Forward!
As we enter the holiday season most of us will be giving thanks for our families, friends, health and homes as we should. And this year we are especially thankful for our livelihoods – our careers and jobs that allow us to enjoy all our other creature comforts.
However, there are many people currently out of work who would be so thankful for at least some hope in their job searches. With at least 10 percent of able Americans out of work, and probably five percent more who have despaired of finding a job and have just given up, a lot of our family, friends and neighbors are hurting this holiday season.
The odds are that you know at least 10 people who are currently unemployed, or as increasingly common, under-employed, that is, they have some part-time work, freelance work or a full-time position at significantly lower pay than they are accustomed.
Jobs are out there; you can see them posted on job service Web sites every day however, the competition is beyond the pale . Those of us who are fortunate enough to have jobs can make a difference.
I encourage you all to “pay it forward” for our job-searching friends, colleagues and relatives. If every member of the ABWA took a few minutes each day to help an unemployed person in his or her quest for a job, we would at least live up to the spirit of the holiday season and fulfill ABWA’s mission. So what do I mean by “paying it forward?”
Simple things really, such as:
- Forward a job lead
- Write a LinkedIn recommendation
- Review a friend’s resume and give honest feedback
- Meet a friend for coffee or lunch in-person to help bolster their spirit and exchange ideas.
- Make some calls on a friend’s behalf
- Pass on a link to a good job site or an article on job search
- Introduce your friend to a potential employer
- Do some role-playing for a job interview
- Brainstorm with them on ways to leverage their skills
- Give a Gift of ABWA! http://video214.com/play/LhUztg8WI69tOarMQioD5g/s/dark
If we each of us did one or two of these things every day, we may not end unemployment, but we can help the people we know and care about so they can get back to work sooner rather than later.
With that I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!
Rene’ Street, Executive Director
November 24, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Rene’
You are so right on it! Everyday we are hearing and speaking with members in our group who are unemployeed. We also have provided links and referrals to these members, and yes the competition is tough as our members know. They have sent out over 50 or more applications, have interviews but still are unemployeed. As times are tough we continue to support them and sometimes being a friend means more to them than anything else. Thank you for the wonderful suggestions but more than that, we are thankful we have such a great support team behind us. That would be YOU! Happy Thanksgiving my friend.
Sincerely,
Karen Rudolph
November 27, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Wonderful article Rene!! It is very important to remind ourselves that there are others that might not have the good fortune to be employed or have incoming funds especially at this time of the year. Being an encourager and a friend certainly helps. Thank you for your insight, your leadership and your example. Brenda Smith-Keene, Shining Star Chapter Kansas City, MO
November 29, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Rene, This is indeed a worthwhile request. I concur and will do my utmost to follow your lead and help other women and men in their job search.
Louise Walsh
December 3, 2010 at 11:52 am
Great! Today’s unemployement report indicates that next year will be another challenging year. I appreciarte your support!