Obtaining Employment Amidst Great Unemployment

Recovery from the recent massive job losses around the globe will likely not be swift nor immediate.

In the United States, 14.34 million more people are unemployed than the total jobs created over the last decade since The Great Financial Crisis of 2009. In other words, in eight weeks, all the jobs created during the last decade, plus 14 million more jobs were eliminated.

The amount of time needed for an economic recovery and the total number of jobs re-instated is anyone’s guess. In the meantime, new college grads or soon-to-be college grads are entering a highly competitive job market, alongside approximately 36.47 million newly unemployed people. Since employers can choose from amongst a large and diverse pool of candidates, students will need to distinguish themselves to be employable.

The above chart shows the month over month change in employment, as indicated with the light green trend line. The darker green bars in the graph show the actual numbers of people employed. Serious Bending of the V, Jeff Snider, May 8, 2020

Talented individuals are always valuable employees. Individuals eminate a natural exuberance when they’re “doing what they love”, thus they collaborate effortlessly and encourage their colleagues to be their best selves. Employers recognize how talented people benefit the company, so will likely retain those employees or hire them. Thus, individuals can create sustainability and prosperity, despite any economic upheaval.

Yet, individuals need to have nurtured their talents over multiple years, so they can demonstrate their talents to employers. When parents allow kids to be themselves, kids discover their aptitude early, participating in afterschool activities and classes where they gain confidence in their ability. Eventually, students will choose a college where the circumstances are most favorable to further discover the facets of their talents, and learn to apply their talents professionally.

Currently, since many students, both in college and younger, are freed from normal school schedules, they are likely continuing those activities, or finding new ones, which align with their natural aptitude and interests. Asking, “Why?” questions is particularly helpful for understanding one’s motivation and identifying opportunities.

Since each individual has a unique aptitude, now, more than ever, parents and students would be prudent to focus on (re)discovering the aptitude of the student, given today’s complex economic circumstances. Then, they’ll most likely endure any economic upheaval as well as create the conditions for lasting prosperity and peace of mind.

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Since 2003, Jill , a UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, has been meticulous in advising clients about all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. Contact her at jill@creativemarbles.com for more details about how her expertise can benefit families and organizations.

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About Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy

Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
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