The Roller Coaster of the Future Market Place (And Your Role as a Career Counsellor in it)

By Sherry Knight

Timing couldn’t be better for an article like this! The US is in turmoil, Iceland has turned to Russia to bail out its financial situation and the rest of the world is anxious about the economy. And Canada is in chaos as well. The Prime Minister is not heading the concerns of the people who recently elected him and the Liberals have not yet found their stabilizing force in their attempt to create a coalition with the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Québécois. All this has its part in looking at what your job will be in the future!

As Career Counsellors we care about the people side of business. People are businesses greatest asset. Businesses are there to make money and they do it with the work of their human capital. We are the ones who help clients find their way through the maze of job opportunities. So what lies ahead for us in this industry?

First of all, many of our clients across the country need to understand that when the economy changes, jobs are lost. The situation in the US has great impact on Canada as many of our companies export to the US and some are US subsidiaries. When the US tightens its belt and stops buying, that impacts people in Canada. People who lose their jobs may want to consider jobs which might be a lateral move from where they thought they would land.

And, we may need to guide people through the quagmire of moving down a step or two in order to have enough income to pay the rent and put food on the table for their families. This is difficult for people to hear so we have to offer them hope. Hope that a move to a lesser paying job now will be an interim position to moving back up to the type of job they can move back to in the future.

By showing people, often on paper with an Action Plan they can refer to in the future on their own time, it helps them see the end plan. It’s all about hope!

Together you may want to help your client strategize new outlooks. You might start with a new timeline in terms of immediate work and the length of time it might take to re-enter the workforce in the type of career path he or she was originally focused on. You may want to walk them through possible changes in their budgeting practices, more economical meals and transportation, entertainment at little or no cost, and even dealing with the children’s cultural and sports programs.

There are places in the country where jobs are plentiful. Perhaps you will need to help your client see the advantage of moving to a place far away from their extended family. At the moment Newfoundland, Saskatchewan and part of Alberta are experiencing strong economies. If people want to work they may have a better chance of finding work in these places.

There is another possibility that might come forward. In order to keep business, some organizations may be asking employees to take a salary cut. You may need to help your clients walk through this scenario. Is less of a salary better than no salary? You will, once again, have to walk them through the benefits of making their choice. As you are working with your client, consider:

• Working with the entire family rather than your client only
• Spouses sometimes need help in understanding their partner did not do anything to cause the job loss
• Young children may sense a feeling of desperation in the house and yet not understand why—you may be the catalyst to help the parents find the right words to share the situation with their children
• Children, often teens, may intellectually understand the concept of belt tightening and yet still want the new dress, car, etc. You can help them understand how the change in the family status will impact their desires
• You will want to continue with résumé development, cover letter development, interviewing skills, employer requirements, interpersonal skill development and negotiation skills
• You may want to add household budgeting, overcoming stress, dealing with change and family communications

Your job as a Career Counsellor will become even more important as the months move forward. You will need to become a cheer leader for your client; constantly showing them the ways to help themselves personally and in the job market.

Some days you will go home exhausted from helping your clients who are experiencing shock and fear with what lays ahead. As a professional you play a greater and more vital role than at any other time, especially in relation to entry/re-entry issues. It is a difficult situation to be in. To be helping someone else through a traumatic experience. Therefore, be good to you! This is the time to be with loved ones, listen to your favorite music or cook your favorite foods. Look after you with the same suggestions you often make to your clients. Take care!

Sherry Knight, author, coach, media personality, speaker and trainer can be reached atwww.dimension11.com.