Yesterday was an exciting day. Unemployment numbers were better than expected, and I was interviewed by Adriana Hausner on CNN en Espanol to give my views on it. We had a five-minute interview, that got magically edited into a 2-minute segment. Adriana is a fantastic journalist who made me feel at ease since the moment I first saw her.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be featured on a segment on "oh not so negative" unemployment numbers. Although 8.9% unemployment represents almost 14 million individuals out of work, the pace of unemployment is slowing down, and that is something to be happy about. It means that waiting time to get a new job is getting shorter. Because unemployment is a lagging indicator, one can interpret that the end of the recession is closer, and companies could start hiring earlier than anticipated.
 
A few minutes after the interview aired, I was being contacted by friends across Latin America, some of whom I had not seen or even spoken to in years. It was awesome to reconnect thanks to the magic of CNN!

So, here is the video. If I you and I met at some point in our lives, get in touch. You can reach me at rfiguera@thetalentcircle.com. I would love to hear from you.

Making each other laugh by creating a fake “Survivor” show ad in Photoshop with the pictures of the remaining team members is one of the ways Amber, Daniel, Susan, and Patricia keep their spirits high.  After surviving five rounds of layoffs at a Manhattan-based high-end design firm, and despite tremendous increase in job responsibilities, the team found ways to bond. 

Just about one year ago, a firm was expanding at the speed of light, hiring people constantly, and turning residential projects down left and right while focusing only on larger scale ventures. The times have changed and after downsizing thirty percent of the workforce, the firm is, well, still hiring.  However, the new hires are mostly highly qualified interns willing to work for no pay. In addition to tremendously larger workload, the possibility of losing the job to interns keeps the surviving team members awake at night.

The team of survivors did not let their fears get the best of them.  Instead, the remaining bunch turned to each other for support. They found themselves collaborating and building strong bonds.  “It’s a challenge to go from entry-level position to managing workload of four people, but the team makes me get through my day", says Amber, a workplace divorce survivor who just went from junior designer to designing a major Las Vegas club by herself. We have also gotten to know each other better, Amber continues, "I did not talk to Susan at all before but now we are close.” Daniel, the only smoker of the group, and the only surviving architect on the floor is touched that his co-workers take turns to go on the breaks with him for support.

“In the old days we did not take much time to get to know each other. There were feelings of fierce competition, and I felt intimidated. Now we take lunches together, poke fun at the situation, collaborate on work projects, and motivate each other to stay strong.  I truly feel as a team member,” Susan, a workforce divorce survivor admits. 

Their growing support of each other doesn’t seem to end at work.  Frequent get-togethers with laid off team members are held often to keep the team spirit alive, and they have made a pact with each other to take a trip to Costa Rica if worse comes to worse and the rest of them lose their jobs.

Written by Olya Artman

Survivor yourself?  Tell us your story and help inspire others

“We usually have our status update calls on Fridays; we discuss our progress, leads, best practices and have a bit of a team venting session” Justin tells me over lunch. He is not referring to a work meeting, however; he is talking about a new trend with those that have been recently laid off: support groups.

Until recently, Justin used to work at one of the top management consulting firms. He was part of a group of people that lost their jobs due to cost cutting across the company. After the initial shock and mourning period, many of them got together and asked themselves “now what?”

I saw how determined and excited he was about this group so I decided to dig a little deeper and find out: does misery really love company? As it turns out, it does. But it goes beyond group therapy: “we keep each other motivated and action oriented – we try not spend too much time complaining” – said Brian, another former employee.

The downturn of the economy came very suddenly for some, and being a part of a community of likeminded people helps you make sense of the events. Whether you are sharing through the phone, in person or on a blog, this exercise can also make you feel more engaged and integrated.

Once the emotional wounds have healed, groups have also found that keeping in touch with other can be useful for their career search. “By sharing job search stories, tips and market color, we keep each other focused and on track” – explained Julie. And for those who are considering a career change, they have found a supportive sounding board that encourages them to try new things and makes them more comfortable with risk. “If you’ve ever thought about leaving finance to become a chef, now might be the time to do it!” –concludes Justin, with a big smile on his face.

Written by Adriana Roche

Share your own story with us: How do you deal with laid off blues?

Take time to answer the following questions. Don't just read them. Grab pen and paper and write down what comes to mind as you look for answers. It probably has been a long time since you thought about these things. You might be surprise with your answers!

1.Values.  What is important to you in your career going forward?  Is it developing programs to help children in South America, or opening the Samba studio you have been daydreaming about? Pick the top 5 values that are essential to your satisfaction, and don’t compromise.  

2.Experiences.  When was the last time you felt energized? Think about work and life experiences and activities that you find most enjoyable and activities that bring the real YOU to life.  What is it about these activities that you enjoy? Does your career involve activities that bring out the best in you?

3.Work environment.  Are you the corporate type or do you dream about working on your own? Knowing your ideal environment will guide you towards the right career.

4.Personality.  Are you a big idea person or an implementer?  What are the talents hidden in your personality?  We all have preferences on how we gain our energy and choose to deal with the world.  The right career has to fit your personality like a glove.

5.Skills.  You are gifted at so many things, but what are those skills that you are really proud of and you really enjoy? Ideal careers allow you to use your strongest skills while you enjoy your work.

6.Dream job.  Do you have a dream job?  Don’t worry about being ridiculous, think the impossible.  Look into what aspects of this job do you find attractive.  Your ideal career should have similar aspects.

7.The past.  Explore your past and think about what you liked and disliked about your jobs?  How did you choose to be in your field?  Did you follow your passion or did others influence your choices.  Looking into the past will help you make better choices in the future.

8.Talk.  Verbalize your goals and talk about it to others.  If you know someone who does what you want to do, ask them about what they enjoy and dislike about it. If you don’t know anyone, opening up about what you want can lead to the right person. Hiring a Coach might be extremely helpful to clarify your goals.

9.Time.  Where are you on a timeline?  Are you planning to have a family in the near future and need a career that allows flexibility or are you able to work more hours?
 
10.Action.  What’s stopping you?  You will be surprise to know that the most likely obstacle between you and a more fulfilling career is lack of action. It all begins with one step…take it!

Get in touch with our coaching team today. We will help you get started!  

At Talent Circle, we have decided that, no matter how tough the markets out there, we will keep a positive attitude -towards ourselves, our clients and our candidates. There is enough emotional wealth in the air, we just need to make sure we do a better job at distributing it!

Maybe because we are all a bit emotional in NY nowdays (elections around the corner, markets riding us hard) I want to share an inspirational tale today. Last weekend, I ran into my friend Ana. She is a beautiful woman, but on that night she was truly glowing. You could tell, she was just very very happy. While catching up, I learned that a few weeks ago, she had decided to quit (by choice) her job at a top-tier investment bank in New York, and went to work as an apprentice florist with a well-known expert in New York City...and today, as she spends her days among flowers and plants, I can assure you, she is one of the happiest people you will cross during these trouble times.

As you probably guessed...I am not suggesting that you leave your job in Wall Street and become a florist. But, as you sit there and feel the world tumbling down, think about what you are really passionate about. Allow plenty of it in your life. I promise, a job will never feel the same way.

Ana, I am so proud of you!

Just back from the World Economic Forum in China. Wow...you really have to see it to believe it. What a vibrant, booming place! 

On the talent side...I am more convinced than ever that mobility holds the key to the future. Middle East and Far East-based companies are starving for top talent, while top talent in NY is starving...go figure!

So, today's tip: as you re-write your CV, dont be shy to highlight your global edge. Stay geographically open, and you might be on a plane to Dubai before you know it!