Leave it to a pandemic year to change the way we look at things – again. Whether it’s adjusting our views of schedule or getting a better understanding of our personal likes or dislikes, this past year shaped us in different ways. The art of job searching and the ideas that surround it have also shifted, as this year, the world has faced record unemployment. While the defense industry has remained stable, this year has reminded us that the only constant thing is change.
Key things to Remember about unemployment
So, regardless of your current employment status, the value of this year is that it has corrected how we look at things – especially in regards to unemployment. So, if find yourself in the midst of a job search while you’re unemployed, know that you’re not alone and it’s not a career death sentence.
1. Unemployment is the new normal.
In the past, employment gaps might have given some hiring managers pause. However, this year, unemployment is common. Stigmas that may have previously been a factor no longer carry the same weight. It’s common to have friends who are unemployed now, so hiring managers and the people in your network are unfazed by your employment status. So, take advantage of the new normal if you find yourself in this category, and be confident when reaching out to your networks or submitting for an open position.
2. Upskilling is a thing.
Sometimes when it’s time to look for a job, we tend to only look for work based on our current experience. But when faced with a layoff or unexpected employment, it’s a great time to look where the majority of the jobs are, and see where you can start to learn new skills to fill those roles. Some of my musician friends who normally play live gigs decided to take on coding and look for jobs that required Python. At first, it can be hard to get a foot in the door, but it’s a great example of looking for opportunities and working towards filling them.
3. Understand that career pivots can’t always be hyper planned.
I can be the queen of paralysis by overanalysis. Sometimes, it can seem like in order to pivot in your career, there are too many turns and steps. But sometimes, you just need to do the next thing. See what skills you already have and find where they might overlap with different jobs or careers. One of the hardest things to battle in unemployment is personal perception of your value, worth, and skills. The longer the unemployment, the more you might be tempted to undervalue yourself. You don’t have to have a multi-point plan at the onset of your unemployment. You just have to keep taking steps forward.
New Beginnings Require Endings
Sometimes, the path to a new beginning starts with an unintentional ending somewhere else. While it can be scary to be in limbo without a constant cash flow, now is the time to fire up the networks and find ways to put your clearance to use. If the job offers aren’t coming in overnight, you may be able to get a 1099 consultant gig on a contract while you wait for a firm offer. The key to staying employed in the cleared industry is maintaining that Secret or Top Secret golden ticket. So, while you may be tempted to strike it rich with investments or blow off some steam about the unexpected unemployment, it’s important to avoid extreme responses. Keep on steadily reaching out to your networks and maintaining an up-to-date online profile. The offers will come.
