Your career and the economic crisis for 2010

With 2010 just around the corner, the dissatisfied and the searching will likely do their career shifting the first quarter. The bad news is that, the economy won't be making a strong economic upturn any time soon, says my friends in the industry. The good news is, the elections and all its resulting funds can create a buffer, at least temporarily.

For most of us working types, though, it's important that we greet this harsh brave new world that's getting harder by the minute with equally grim determination and a smart attitude if we are to swing it to our favor.


I wrote about careers in an economic crisis in the November 2009 issue of Working Mom, an ABS-CBN publication. Here's a very condensed version. The rest you can find in said edition. Give the magazine a try - it's very informative, practical, and (which is important to a time like this) very very encouraging.

"Creating Career Buffers during the Economic Crisis
by Cora Llamas

Do not close a door on any opportunity, no matter how strange or seemingly irrelevant, and not immediately at that. Sharpen your skills and go beyond your comfort zone. Never stop networking. Don’t burn bridges, no matter how tempting. Above all, keep a cool head and always remind yourself that this turbulent period of unending restructurings and the constant build-up of tasks in the workplace are temporary..."

Some rules in creating a crisis-buffer for your career:

1. Find some delight in the doldrums.
2. Bring value to the organization you are working for.
3 Understand that multi-tasking is an ally, not an enemy.
4. Keep on upgrading yourself by continual learning.
5. Use every opportunit to network.
6. Never burn bridges - especially not with soon-to-be-ex-bosses, clients, and colleagues.