What's Out There?

Trends

The nature of work and the employer/employee relationship have been changing dramatically as a result of global competition, trade agreements, taxes, technology and sociological factors. The result: business closures, downsizing, acquisitions, mergers and increasing unemployment.

The traditional employment pattern was to seek a full-time, permanent position, ideally with an employer who was secure and stable. Government at all levels was seen to fit these criteria. We've learned now that government is not immune to global trends and must be accountable for responsible management. For several years governments have been downsizing.

All employers today -- public and private sector, large and small -- are seeking ways to get work done in the most cost-effective manner. As a result, there's a steady increase in part-time, casual, temporary, seasonal, job-sharing, contracting out and other non-traditional work arrangements .

This trend will continue. The enterprising job-seeker is the one most likely to benefit from these newer options.

Part-Time, Casual, Temporary, Seasonal Employment

Today's crowded applicant market has resulted in significant changes in employer practices:

  • fewer public advertisements of vacancies
  • recruitment on a casual or part-time basis only
  • employers making permanent and full-time appointments from the casual or part-time pool, choosing the best applicant based on actual performance

The message to the job-seeker is to remain flexible and open to part-time, casual, temporary or project assignments. In every case, there is the possibility of the assignment leading to permanent, full-time employment. In the meantime, continue to:

  • use and develop your skills.
  • develop more contacts.
  • check out more employers, which in turn may help you to expand your job targets.

Self-Employment

Consider whether your skills lend themselves to self-employment. If so, you might contract your services to a number of employers. There can be a lot of advantages to this: more autonomy, independence, control of your working hours, ability to charge expenses against your income, reduced income tax.

Analyze the negative side of self-employment also. Resources are available to assist you in determining if you're a good candidate for self-employment.

  Self-Employment Ideas
   
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