I’m trying to launch a career development business. I offer career consultation to individuals and personality and interest assessments used to help people determine career directions. I also offer a resume and cover letter writing service. It’s an idea that I have had for years, but am now at a point in my life where I can finally devote time and resources to establishing it.
Getting the business concept cultivated and shaped has been fun — a unique exercise that has meant applying newly acquired business ideas on top of the background knowledge that I came into this with. And now here we are, the start of 2009 and what kind of business climate do I find myself in? What happens to be going on just as I’m constituting myself as a career development specialist? Our world has become an economic calamity of rising unemployment rates and faltering confidence in the future. For anyone, not just myself, getting into business or trying to survive in business now means reassessing previous assumptions, especially those that framed our images of what we saw ourselves doing and how we thought to do it.
The question for me naturally comes up, is this a good time for a career development business or a bad time? To be honest, that has yet to be seen. But, I don’t think there is much doubt that the need for career development professionals exists. More people are searching for jobs than in recent history. There is more thought going into what can one do that’s at the very least tolerable while treading in a contracting workforce. And a lot of people need to revamp that old resume which, let’s face it, doesn’t get updated unless you really have to. So, yes. I believe the capacity of individuals needing career services is out there. But are they willing to commit to paying for such assistance?
I liken going to a career development specialist similar to going back for more education. Historically, during recessionary times, enrollment in two- and four-year post-secondary classes and programs rises. People realize that they need to retool and realign for changing employment conditions. At the very least, many see themselves as now having the time to further their education, which they didn’t have before.
Workforce survival means having to adjust, to change, and to grow. Active learning can be achieved by going back to school, of course, but another and more customized way to prepare yourself for career transitions, whether the need to has come by choice or not, is to work with a career advisor or coach. They can help a client calm down, take a deep breath, and strategize how to make the best out of the current situation. You never know, levels of personal and professional growth not at all anticipated may result from such a collaborative interchange.
Everyone has a story to tell and a brand to sell. Putting the two together along with doses of job search skill building will position you best no matter what the nation’s financial predicament. And with such a lousy economy little should be left to chance.
Yeah, I think it is a good time to be in the career development business.
