There is no doubt that many were examining their careers this Labor Day. Some were just thankful to have a job. Many were reflecting on changes they’d like to make. And still others have already made those changes and are just now headed into new careers. Over the weekend I read an article by Tony Kindelspire in the Longmont Times-Call about three individuals who have made those changes and currently reaping the benefits.

Eric Olinger, 36, of Longmont, CO had worked in lumber and hardware for most of his life. After being let go several times, Eric decided to take charge and find a recession proof job. His research pointed him at the nursing field. He entered nursing school at a community college and has just recently become a certified nursing assistant. He plans to continue his schooling and move further up the medical profession ladder. Eric bets, “People are still going to need medical care no matter what.”

Joseph Vogel, 52, of Aurora, CO was a certified master technician in the automobile industry. After losing his job at Ford, Vogel also decided to go back to community college to become a radiology technician. “Trying to go back to school at an older age is tough,” he says, “but you can do it. It’s frightening, it’s scary, it’s literally life changing, but you can do it.” This past Tuesday, Vogel cleared a final certification test. His new job awaits at the University of Colorado Hospital.

Laura Woods, of Hygiene, CO has been a real estate broker for the last several years. Her career in real estate wasn’t unsuccessful, but in a round about way taught her that what she really wanted to do was teach. Woods just landed and has started as a full-time fourth grade teacher. When asked if she has any advice for others looking for work or considering a change, Wood says, “Go for it. You only go around the block once, and you’re not going to know what you truly love unless you try different things.”

When I began to reflect on these three individual I thought, how did these folks get the job they wanted even amidst all the gloomsters out there claiming there are no jobs to be had?

Then I stumbled upon a new book, “Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” by Ford Myers. The top Amazon review is quoted below:

There is nothing I dislike more than reading a self-help book that turns out to be filled with re-warmed platitudes and stale ideas. That is definitely not the case with “Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring”. Ford R. Myers gets straight to real time solutions, with a step by step approach that gets the job done. Finding yourself unemployed is not a pleasurable circumstance in the best economic times. In today’s environment it can be downright terrifying.

From new graduates to those displaced later in their careers, this book is the best tool in your job search arsenal. So buy it, read it, do the exercises, regain your confidence and get out there, armed with a realistic strategic plan to do what needs to be done to “Get the Job You Want When No One’s Hiring”.

If you were searching for meaningful work on this Labor Day, I truly wish you Good News and Good Fortune.

Related posts:

1. Recession-Proof Jobs – Part 2
2. More on Recession Proof Jobs
3. More Recession Proof Jobs at Wal-Mart
4. Is the Medical Profession Recession-Proof?
5. Are Foreign Nurses in U.S. Healthcare’s Future?