Getting *back* to the next step

[OmnivoreInk]

The last year has been tough on a lot of people, as the economy slides, investment slides, people stop spending, ya da ya da ya da.

In these bad times, we have to work twice as hard just to make the same amount of money we were making last year!

So how do we recover?

[Kevin Lee]

For a lot of people (like those working directly in the investment industry), getting back on track may even require career changes to industries that are less impacted by the "bad times".

Do you think now would be a good time to go back to school as a long term investment?

[GT Bulmer]

... In these bad times, we have to work twice as hard just to make the same amount of money we were making last year!

So how do we recover?

Hi, Barbara:

(I'm not all that old, really, but ... ) I do seem to recall hearing that same concern on several occasions at various points amid a number of decades through the last half of the 20th Century. I have come to believe that it is a cycle that keeps re-occuring and something that every generation seems to get the opportunity to experience at some point!

I remember, while raising our young children through the 1980s, hearing families lament that "these days, it takes the income of both parents to survive. We used to be able to live on one income!"

Kevin just mentioned "industries that are less impacted by bad times." - Let's have some discussion on which industries might fall into that category.

Also, I see the value of making a career change, as Kevin suggested, and going back to school as a long term investment, but I wonder how many (or few) would have the investment cushion to allow them to do that?

Here is one alternative for those who have the discipline and the desire and determination: Athabasca University - Canada's Leader in Online and Distance Education

Many Athabasca University courses are offered almost entirely online and students from around the world are enrolled. You can work your day job, study evenings and weekends, and educate yourself towards better income opportunities.

GT

[Kevin Lee]

... In these bad times, we have to work twice as hard just to make the same amount of money we were making last year!

So how do we recover?

Kevin just mentioned "industries that are less impacted by bad times." - Let's have some discussion on which industries might fall into that category.

Also, I see the value of making a career change, as Kevin suggested, and going back to school as a long term investment, but I wonder how many (or few) would have the investment cushion to allow them to do that?

Some people maybe fortunate enough to have the option of moving back home to live with their parents while upgrading their education

[GT Bulmer]

For a lot of people (like those working directly in the investment industry), getting back on track may even require career changes to industries that are less impacted by the "bad times".

A couple of days ago my Dad, who has satellite TV and watches sports on American channels, says that it doesn't matter what type of sports he watches, the stands are always packed full of spectators. So, maybe the sports industry is good one to get into? That is, providing some kind of product or services either to the industry or to sports fans.

GT

[ideasuniversity]

For a lot of people (like those working directly in the investment industry), getting back on track may even require career changes to industries that are less impacted by the "bad times".

A couple of days ago my Dad, who has satellite TV and watches sports on American channels, says that it doesn't matter what type of sports he watches, the stands are always packed full of spectators. So, maybe the sports industry is good one to get into? That is, providing some kind of product or services either to the industry or to sports fans.

GT

Hi GT.
I agree with you on this. No matter how hard the times are, people will still seek fun and mostly do it by watching their favouraite sports. Sport lovers are fanactics. So they will make sure they use their reosurces to satisfy their passions. Entrepreneurs should research into this niche and cut their pie in the billion dollars business

[Kevin Lee]

A couple of days ago my Dad, who has satellite TV and watches sports on American channels, says that it doesn't matter what type of sports he watches, the stands are always packed full of spectators. So, maybe the sports industry is good one to get into? That is, providing some kind of product or services either to the industry or to sports fans.

GT

Hi GT,

The only problem with coveted sports industry jobs are that they're all internal postings or referral hiring (e.g. former players).

Does anyone know of someone who has actually broken into the sports industry field?

[TannyL]

When this discussion became about sports?
But you are right, sports, food and sex will always have audience.
I was in the mall 2 days ago, I don't like going to the mall, but sometime you have too, and it was jammed.
No parking space, and it was so crowded, everywhere you go there are sales and people spending money.

The economy has it effect, we thought it can't hurt us here, but it got to us too, and Kodak is closing their branch, not because it's losing money but because they need to cut on expanses and they are moving it to China.

People are getting used to some standards and it's harder for them to go back. Food is the #1 industry here and will always be.

[JBunion]

Take time out to enjoy life, family, friends before you get back to the 'next step'. I know a lot of people can lose focus on the task at hand by taking a break, but balance is key. Balance is integral to maintaining overall success in business and life!

[Kevin Lee]

The last year has been tough on a lot of people, as the economy slides, investment slides, people stop spending, ya da ya da ya da.

In these bad times, we have to work twice as hard just to make the same amount of money we were making last year!

So how do we recover?

Check out Evan's Top 50 Get Out of Debt Blogs To Watch In 2009
http://evancarmichael.com/Tools/Top-50- ... n-2009.htm

[mbrand2222]

I think small things can make a big difference. Cut corners when ever possible. To the point that you don't lose any business. For example: start using cheaper products around the office. You'd be surprised how much money you can save just by going to a less expensive brand for the same items. Start soliciting referrals. People are happy to give you a good one if you've done a good job. You just have to ASK. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising and it's the least expensive = free! Turn off lights and computers and even pull plugs on appliances on the weekends, or even every night if you have time and aren't using them. This saves a lot of energy in the long run and you should be conserving energy anyway. Dare I say this......shake the printer ink and make it go another 50 copies. Over a year you can save quite a bit in ink costs. There are other cuts you can make that won't impact the quality of your service/product if you sit down and really think it over, but this is a start.

[GT Bulmer]

I think small things can make a big difference. Cut corners when ever possible. To the point that you don't lose any business...
... There are other cuts you can make that won't impact the quality of your service/product if you sit down and really think it over, but this is a start.

Hi, Mary:

In your complete post, you have provided an excellent list of ideas that get us thinking!

I have a reputation in my family for turning out lights in rooms - drives me crazy when I come home sometimes and every light in the house is on! (Drives family members crazy when they leave a room for a minute and I turn off the light!) I think, for me, it borders on a "compulsion" to save energy after the energy crisis back in (was it the 60s?) There were ads on TV about turning out lights when you leave a room ... and the concept stuck with me.

I never thought about energy still running to appliances when they are plugged in but not turned on until my wife mentioned it a few years ago (for safety reasons). Now, I watch for that, too.

GT