JOB MARKET There can be little doubt about it, the very nature of find a new job has changed rather sharply in recent years.
Every time I see one of those screaming headlines about a major firm cutting off employees no-longer needed there will be a line or two mentioning that half of those to be "laid off", "fired" or "disassociated with" are to be from the "middle management area." Our educational system has for some decades been graduating executives rather that workers, and many firm have become what you might, logically, distorted by middleweight excess. Some are top-heavy with CEO laminations at roof level, and there are those which are undermanned or poorly staffed. They drop out, or are "snapped up" by others of a like nature in some manner.
Middle management types have, perhaps, them lost difficulty in finding suitable employment. Very often they don't realize they are in such an area of pay-check getters. Anyone who's title even suggests "assistant", associated","in charge of..."regional", "sector," or "liaison " fits MM in "human resources." departmental thinking.
One bright spot . In spite of all the accumulated "laid off" figure from major firms, which should close to any wild number you want to suggest. I do not know one, single person, male or female who is out of work. They have changed jobs recently, some several times, but they have developed a finely honed technique for doing so.
First: stop feeling sorry for yourself. Examine possible areas. Think "up" more than "down." Focusing on the past won't help. No one really gives hoot who you may have worked for with. Rather, tell what you can do for them. Above all, cut out any pretense or plans for manipulation. The past is gone. Don't reminisce or drop names.
Don't ridicule jobs of less stature...non-management spots. You just might enjoy working again. Relax. Don't take yourself too seriously and clue your family and friends in what you are doing. They can help you curb your fear, resentment, doubt and pride.
A. L. M March 11, 2006 [c356wds]
