Finding work in the current economy

By Fred Burns

Unemployment figures in both Europe and the U.S. are still at all-time highs, even though some reports say the problem is getting better. If you are one of the millions of people out of work, and either anticipating or awaiting unemployment payments, there are a number of ways to make ends meet.

Image: Getty Images/SRBichara; royalty free license

Cash in on skills

When you’re out of a job, you can often suffer from a blow to your sense of self-worth. Just keep in mind that you are just as capable as you ever were. There are other ways to make a living. You have a whole host of skills that will apply to careers other than the one you have specialized in.

 Image: Getty Images/Kolobsek; royalty free license

Look beyond your work history, and consider branching out from that narrower focus. For example, if you have been a supervisor, you have the ability to observe and evaluate the work of others. This is a great skill to have in the industry of security. I’m not talking about a night watchman. There are many jobs available in security that never involve being seen by the public. Surveillance is performed in almost every department store, and you are never expected to approach anyone- only report what you are observing. Other places that need this type of surveillance are hospitals, banks, and resorts. You may be the person in the office watching and evaluating what you see on surveillance cameras.

Personal skills

If you have personal skills, it means you are pretty good at reading other people. This is a perfect skill for a security officer at the door of a convention center. You can get training in threat assessment, and that, in combination with your native instincts, can make you a good living in the security industry.

For example, I know a teacher, with a Master’s degree, who has been priced out of the job market. No one wants to pay for someone with 30 years of experience to teach music, when they can hire a fresh-out-of-college grad for one half the salary. They have been out of a job long enough that they can’t get unemployment any more. But, with over 30 years in education, from pre-school up through university, they have a lot of experience in what the security industry calls “threat assessment”. Sure, they had to learn about the more weapon-oriented side of the field, but they can spot a shoplifter a mile away just from the way they are acting.

On the job training

If you are retired military or public service, you already have on the job training for most of the security jobs out there. Maybe you need extra money for your retirement, or just needed out of the pressure of a high risk job. The different levels of security work can provide you with a good living, and you can choose the stress level. Finding a job in this economy is not impossible. Just beef up your resume, and think outside the box.  

About the author: Fred Burns has worked within the security industry for many years. He enjoys writing articles that help people and point them in the right direction. When he isn't writing you can find him working for Crossdeck, a company that provides a jobsearch and access to CCTV training courses.