The economy is reported to be showing signs improvement, the job market is another story . . .

Where are you at?  Do you:

• Need a new job?
• Want a new job?
• Time for a career change?
• Want to protect your job?

I recently posted an idea about getting work (Not Back to Work Today? Try the Portfolio Approach).  Many people are rushing back to school-- that may or may not make sense (An MBA Degree Ain't All It's Cracked Up to Be . . .).  I thought I would review some of my posts related to careers . . .

The first thing to do after a layoff or you have made a decision to change jobs, is to do a little soul searching.

• Goal Posts Revisited
• Dreams, Hopes, and Ambitions
• Do-Overs and Redirected Choices
• A Few Days Off and Time to Reflect . . .
• Manage Your Expectations . . .
• Plan B: The Power of Redundancy

Next, create an action plan (How to Create An Action Plan . . .).

As you may know layoffs and unemployment are on the rise.  Sometimes you can get hit with a layoff unexpectedly.  You may not even deserve it, but it happens.  Here are some ideas on what to do if a layoff happens to you and ideas to prevent or protect against it.Are You Ready?

• Layoffs and Unemployment are Up: 7 Things You Should Do ASAP
• You've Been Laid Off . . . Now What?
• Bulletproof Yourself . . .
• Think About Learning Another Skill or Trade
• Now May Be the Time to Retool . . .
• Are You Ready?
  

Always good advice, but especially in job search mode, is a solid diet and exercise program.

• Are You on a Diet?
• A Dieting Approach
• Vitamins are a Waste of Money
• Just 10 . . .
• Save the Gym Membership: Frugal/Free Fitness

On top of getting in shape, it is also time to step up your wardrobe and appearance to improve your job search image.

• Self-Improvement Tip: Always Strive to be Neat and Clean
• DIY: How to Polish Your Shoes
• DIY: How to Iron a Shirt
• 10 Wardrobe Preventative Maintenance Tips
• Iron Your Own Shirts and Polish Your Own Shoes
• DIY: How to Do the Laundry

Some people may start a business instead of a job.  This isn't for everyone, but could help many.  I am a firm believer in side gigs or side hustles-- why get caught with your pants down?

• What is Multipreneuring?
• What is Defensive Entrepreneurship?
• Added Value and Adding Value . . .
• Wealth Building Posts Revisited
• How to Become a Millionaire
• Side Business Ideas Recap

Good luck!

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