With the high cost of war and the ensuing employment problems at home, a lot of Americans are in a quandary about how to deal with career stagnation and personal frustration. Many individuals' hopes and dreams have been sidetracked due to the poor economy, and the outlook for improvement remains to be seen. Having said that, there are things you can do to effect positive change for yourself and those around you in a time of turmoil and uncertainty.

Vote in the upcoming presidential election in order to let your voice be heard. If you don't like the way the economy is going and you have concerns about the present administration, then speak up in the voting booth. Never mind that some people in the know are saying one candidate is as good (or bad) as the next - study the issues and make your vote count. If you don't vote, you give up your fate to the people who do show up at the polls.

Pay attention to independent media. If you get most of your news from TV or American newspapers, take a look at what people are saying around the world via the Internet and international media. You'll gain a greater understanding of world events by seeing all sides. Stay informed!

Continue to plan an educational and a career track for a brighter future. Use my book, The Seasons of Your Career, and/or other career books to help you decide your career goals. Once you narrow down what you want, do some research to see if there's any additional education needed to attain your dream. Although it's been reported that there will be a shortage of workers in the years ahead, the trend to outsource jobs may deeply affect that projection. It's a good idea to make career plans based on your interests and talents, and not necessarily on what is hot right now in the job market.

Do your best to maintain a positive attitude. It's not the best of times nor the worst of times, and the one thing we know for sure is that things will continue to change. If you have to stay afloat by taking work you know isn't your cup of tea, do it cheerfully and learn all you can from it. Every job, even if it's not a glamorous or exciting one, has something worthwhile to teach you. Even if you've been out of work for a long time, hold on to that ray of hope - you never know what wonderful opportunity is just around the corner.

Treat yourself like the great person you are. Respect yourself and your dreams. Take time to exercise, relax, and have fun. If you find you are rushing down the road in a frenzied state, slow down - and take a deep breath. Hurrying from one thing to the next won't be helpful for your peace of mind. It's a good idea to monitor yourself throughout the day for signs of stress or irritability, and take some measures to counteract them such as walking or meditation.

© Kathy Sanborn
Life Channels Staff Writer
All Rights Reserved

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