3 Strategies For Displaced Workers

As we all know, the recent economy has displaced abecome proficient in online learning platforms-skills
lot of workers from career paths on which they hadwhich transfer easily to corporate training departments.
been for many years. At one time, my town had a lotProfessors with a science background can review
of mortgage professionals; these days, my town has ascientific textbooks or research papers that require
lot of former mortgage professionals. If you now findadvanced, specialized knowledge. Most people are
yourself in this situation, don't be discouraged; there arequalified to do multiple jobs-you just have to create
several ways to move forward.multiple resumes that highlight the skills and experience
Find a similar position at a different companyapplicable to each position.
If you enjoyed what you were doing and want to stickTurn a hobby or interest into your job
with it, you'll need to make a list of target companiesSome displaced workers face the difficult reality that
that are still hiring people who do what you do. If youtheir jobs have been outsourced overseas or that
work in an industry that's been particularly hard hit withthey will have to relocate in order to do similar work.
layoffs recently, it's especially important to includeFor many people, this crossroads can present an ideal
quantifiable achievements on your resume. You'retime to start your own business. Let's say you're a
going to be competing for a limited number of availablerealtor hoping to start a career in photography. Call up
jobs-along with a lot of other laid off candidates-soeveryone you know and offer to take photos of their
you'll have to prove to employers that you're the bestpets, their favorite beach, or their family members.
thing around.They'll have wonderful photos, and you'll have a
Transfer your skills to a similar positionportfolio with which to showcase your skills. The key
Many workers with very specialized skills have foundto taking your career in a very different direction is in
themselves out of work. For instance, my friends inproving to employers or potential customers that you
academia are often competing with hundreds of otherhave the chops to do the new job.
candidates for one tenure track position. However,These are just a few of the possibilities for workers
professors can do much more than just teach. Manywho find themselves displaced from their careers.
work for institutions that have required them toWith the right strategy, it IS possible to move forward!