In the December 2004 issue of CareerThink's, we asked, “Is the job market improving in your corner of the world — and in your field of employment? In 2005, will you be sticking around at your current job — or looking around?” 77% of our responders answered with an emphatic “NO! The job market stinks and I’m sticking around!” And almost all our respondents were dubious of the positive spin put on the unemployment figures that the government puts out. Here’s a typical response we received from an anonymous writer:

“One of the things that concerns me is how misleading news reports are when they say that unemployment numbers are dropping. The only thing we can really tell from that type of statement is that the Government issued fewer unemployment checks for the week or month etc. It doesn't necessarily mean that anyone previously on unemployment now has found a job. People only receive unemployment benefits for a certain amount of time and after the benefits run out a person may still be trying to find a job but they are not counted in the unemployment numbers anymore.”

And more than just a few of you pointed out that many people are finding work that is well below the level of the jobs that they previously had:

“Many [people] have lost jobs over the last few years and when they finally do find another, it pays well below what they had been making at their previous employer. Many families and singles can barely provide the necessities of life. The really sad part about it is that I don’t think there will be any major changes in the job market for a long time to come.”

Who Do You Trust?
A quick check of several financial web sites show that the economy grew about 4% in 2004, despite a weaker dollar, surging oil prices and a mind-numbing amount of political ads. (Will it take you an entire year to get the phrase, “I’m [blankety-blank], and I approved this message!” out of your mind? Cynics might say that the bump in the economy was due to the enormous wad of cash that all those politicians spent for TV time … but we’re not cynics here at CareerThink!)

But, on the positive side for those of us working stiffs, after three flat years, business investments grew at double-digit rates. I’m no economist, but I did squeeze a “B” out of my business management class in college, and even I know that businesses tend not to invest a lot if they think the economy is going to remain in the tank.

However, it’s clear that many of our respondents think our government needs to do more to help out people here at home:

“Government needs to take a new approach and give some innovative ideas a chance. It is clear to me that with the way things are being done now, the consumer is the only one that is being punished. Without our hard work and pay, top government would not have huge paychecks, loads of perks, and great retirement plans. Don’t you think something is wrong when this happens in our country?”

But It’s Not All Doom And Gloom!
One thing we did figure out when we read all your responses was that if you want to have a positive outlook in your career, move over to the healthcare industry! Nearly 20% of our total responses — and 60% of our positive responses were from people in that field.

One of our favorite responses was from Dawn W., who noted the irony of being flush in an industry that thrives on other’s misfortunes:

“Unfortunately for people’s health, the job market is improving for me. I am a durable medical equipment billing supervisor, and the call for equipment just keeps increasing with the rising age of all the baby-boomers. Health issues will never go away, and for a while, I see an increase in business even though government agencies like Medicare and Medicaid are cutting back on what they will cover. My job is very secure and I plan to stay where I am. I’ve been with this company for 13 years now, and I can’t make the same pay I’m making now, including benefits, if I start over.”

And if we were giving out an award for keeping your sunny side up, Stephanie in Arizona would take the prize:

I live in Phoenix and work in Scottsdale . I just recently (July) moved to Arizona . I was surprised to find the job market booming. In Virginia , where I’m from, you had to wait for someone to quit the job you wanted before you could have it. In Arizona , the possibilities are endless! I will be stuck like glue to my current employer as they offer excellent benefits, a wonderful culture to work in, and employ the best people.

Ok … anybody up for a road trip to Scottsdale???

Can You Make 2005 YOUR Year To Shine No Matter What?
So now you’re sitting there wondering how you can make your career (and life) more satisfying in 2005, aren’t you? Well, from where we sit, there are three things you can do:

1. Don’t do anything.
2. Start over and try something different.
3. Try to make your current job better, or improve your position in your current company.

If you go with #1, well, don’t get mad when January 2006 rolls around and you’re at the same desk, looking at the same walls, doing the same duties. Ok, actually you can still get mad, just don’t get mad at us.

If you want to try #2, and you really want a change and go a different direction, check out some of our other articles in this newsletter.

Finally, if #3 is more to your liking, come up with a concrete plan to strengthen your professional development, skill sets and core competencies through training and education and present it to your boss. Even if your training budget is tight, there are plenty of ways to gain new skills that don’t cost an arm and a leg. (Hint: Checking out our training events is always a good idea!!!)