I realized that today is a NEW day! The sun, my sun, was already up and shining! Man I have a great life! And being laid off from a job I didn't love anyway, well that doesn't define me as a person. That doesn't mean the world has come to an end and life as we know it ceases to exists. No, this just means that there is something bigger and better out there for me and my family.
I am so excited about the opportunities out there for me right now! I know you are thinking, what opportunities, have you seen the economy Mike? Sure I have seen what is going on in the economy. But the economy does not change who I am as an employee, a father and a husband. I am still a valuable asset, and I realized that more this morning than ever.
You see there are still jobs out there, a ton of jobs. Even in a tough economy! Just pull up the old monster.com or careerbuilder.com; there are 1,000's of jobs for a guy like me. And of course if you know me at all then you would know I would always look at the positive side of things, so it probably comes to know surprise that I also realized that now is the BEST time to be looking for a job. Yep, crazy I know! But let's look at a couple other things right now:
First, the housing market. Isn't it a PERFECT time to buy a house right now? Interest rates are still pretty low (anything around 6% is still a good rate - how many of those from another generation remember paying 8% or 10% interest on a house - and probably thought that was a good deal). But there are so many great deals on houses right now, and some honest and hardworking people that just need to sell their house to move for a job, or need a bigger house for a growing family, or maybe just fell on tough times and can no longer afford their home! So, there are a ton of houses on the market right now, and back to Economy 101, when supply outgrows demand, prices go down! Good for people looking to buy a home!
Second, the auto industry. Isn't it a PERFECT time to buy a car right now? Despite what you may have heard, the credit markets aren't siezed up and the cash from banks hasn't dried out. There is plenty of money to lend for a car right now. Sure, like getting a mortgage, it is tougher to get that loan on a car. They scrutinize your credit, make you bring in more and more things to document that income and maybe they are asking for a little down payment right now, but they still have the cash to lend! Secret tip # 237 (coming from a guy that just spent over a year working in this industry) if you are are not already, go become a member at a Credit Union. But do your homework first. Call around find out about their lending practices. Find out if they do loans for their membes only or if they lend indirectly at car dealerships for anyone that qualifies for their programs. Some credit unions will only lend to you if you are a member, some will lend to anyone, the rules are changing, but ask first! Here is what is great about a credit union. Many are non-profit, so as the year progresses and they have MORE money coming in than going out they loosen their guidelines for lending. They lend to riskier credit, because they have the money to do so. So that means for you, a better interest rate and easier access to credit! Cool thing about credit unions, once you are in, you are in. Don't screw it up and they will take GREAT care of you! I know there are a few credit unions out there right now that are sending out letters to their members with car and home loans allowing them to defer their payments for November and December! That's a GREAT way to spur the economy, huh?! Anyway... from the dealership side of things it is also a great time to buy. Dealerships are hurting right now, so that means the want to deal. Remember the supply and demand theory from above! Shop right, be picky, and here is the best trick of all... WALK AWAY! You will get the BEST deal on the lot. Give them your phone number and WALK AWAY! I promise they will call you and lower their price! Remember ask this question, it is polite but down to the point, "Is that the best you can do?" Then WALK AWAY! You will pay $1,000's less for your car, the dealer will STILL make a healthy profit, it's a WIN-WIN for all parties involved!
Now, I know you are asking the question, "Well that's great and all, but how do the housing and auto markets make it a great time to find a job?" Well, I am glad you asked! Here's the deal, the job market, running opposite of the housing and auto markets is a bit different. There is more demand than supply right now. So, more competition if you will. But here is what is great about searching for a job right now. Those companies that are highering right now, are more than likely one of two things; 1. They are in a recession proof industry - hmmm good place to be working in a tough economy. or 2. They are growing right now - hmmm good place to be working in a touch economy. Right now, what you have to do is differeniate yourself from others applying for that job. Read posts from recruiters that are on the internet right now. They give GREAT ideas on how to differentiate yourself from the pack. They talk about questions you should plan on being asked at interviews and how to answer them best. Most importantly, make a plan for yourself. Plan where you want to be in a year, 5 years and 10 years. And make sure you are on that path right now.
Those of us who are unemployed have a unique opportunity now. I know it may seem more like doom and gloom, heck, I am going to file for unemployment today, UNEMPLOYMENT, sounds scary doesn't it, but I truly believe we are in a unique situation. We have the ability to search for a job that will fill two roles, satisfying our wants and needs, and those of our future employers. Times are tough, blah blah blah, I get it! But I have also heard enough. It is time for all of us to do our part to step up this economy. An economy that is founded by us, the everyday consumer. When 2/3rds of the economy is driven by consumer spending then we as consumers are responsible to bring this economy back around. My gameplan for making a difference in this economy is to get a great job. A higher paying job. One that will allow me to purchase that big screen tv along with putting more money in savings! I am going to do my part to spark the economy, what are you going to do?
Thanks for listening today! Remember, today is a new day, and regardless of where you are in the world, even if it is a little cloudy in your neck of the woods, I'll teach you secret tip #1, (in a low whisper) the sun is still shining... shhhhh don't tell anybody that one! Ahhhh just kidding... tell everyone! Let everyone out there know that your sun is still shining. It will allow that other person to look inside of themselves and find their sun too! My sun is still shining, and I lost my job yesterday, oh boo hoo, who cares! Pity Party, table of one, ahh Mr. Baker we have you a great seat right next to the bathroom! No No No... I am telling you right now to get your head out from underneath the covers and go searching for you sun. I found mine! It is shining brightly, oh, and I think it needs a diaper change! Gotta' go!
Love to all,
MLB
Posts
Stumble It!