November 24, 2008 at 8:58 am
· Filed under Articles, General
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The tradition of giving a present during a holiday season or on a special occasion (e.g., birthday, graduation, etc.), during a fiscal depression requires a spirit of generosity, creativity, some thought and a good sense of humor. Acknowledging friends and family, saying ‘thank you’ to clients and co-workers, spending quality time with people you enjoy, is an opportunity to be a bright moment in someone’s life.
The following ideas will provide guidance to those who are expanding their concept of a ‘gift’ to include an experience or a small service, and who appreciate the joys of family, friendship, and the company of valued colleagues.
Gifts of personal service:
Baby-sit children or others, especially on a weekend, for those who would like some time off
Tutor a youth, student, or adult in your favorite subject, hobby, or something you do really well and enjoy
Volunteer at a not for profit organization of your choice
Prepare a home-cooked meal for someone, or a group of people you enjoy
House-sit for someone who’s going away for a period of time
Read aloud to a senior person, child, or someone disabled
Create a CD of someone’s favorite music
Pet sit for an owner who doesn’t want their ‘best friend’ to be lonely, or go hungry while they’re away
Load someone’s iPod with their favorite music
If you’re handy with tools and materials, make repairs around someone else’s house or apartment
Be a personal ‘go-for’ to someone who could use an extra pair of hands for errands
Spend personal time with someone you enjoy – going for a walk, seeing a movie, visiting a museum or gallery
Renew your experience in the art of conversation with someone whose company you have missed
Car pool friends, family, children and others to social activities
Grocery shop for or with someone who’s unable to shop on their own easily
Distribute customized I.O.U.’s to friends, family, and significant others for an activity together
As a business owner:
Host a low budget holiday party designed by the employees
As a group, volunteer at a local not for profit organization
If possible, schedule reduced hours for the holidays or special ocassion
Give employees a free subscription to Netflix, visit: www.netflix.com
Compile a collection of everyone’s favorite recipe as an on-line holiday gift
Gift cards are convenient. To know that someone has spent lots of money on your gift is flattering. An elaborate professionally gift wrapped present can leave someone speechless. But time with people that you care about, or the delivery of a service that contributes to the quality of someone else’s life, well, that’s an unforgettable memory to be treasured forever. It’s priceless.
Spell-bound by the current fiscal crisis, and rising unemployment, it’s important to have a plan to ensure a graceful and purposeful survival while figuring out what your next move will be. I can offer some advice about how to be proactive on your own behalf, and cope with the social demands from family, friends and colleagues during times of financial uncertainty.
o Take a week to relax, reflect and examine your dreams and ambitions. No matter what you might be hearing from others, this is a moment in your life that is an opportunity. Self discovery and knowledge are important, and reinvention can be a wonderful experience and welcome change.
o If your healthcare coverage is extended for a period of time, get a complete and thorough physical exam, and fill your prescriptions while they’re not as expensive. You have more control over how you will manage your life when you know what might be ailing you, needs to be watched, or, best of all, that you’re in great health.
o Register for work with a temporary employment agency. They vary by industry (e.g., construction, IT, professional services, academia, public administration, etc.), and profession. Where technical skills are required, they will ask to test your knowledge and abilities. Many are national (some even offer international positions), and the opportunities they offer can include project work, on-site or as part of a virtual office/team, assignments that are temporary, short or long-term contracts. In some instances health benefits may be available, and some assignments can turn into permanent jobs. You will need a resume, be asked to complete an application in person or on-line, and will have an interview via the telephone or in-person. The human resources department of your company or organization should be able to recommend temp agencies they have used or that are specific to your industry. Networking with colleagues and friends will help too. Listed are a few websites that you might find helpful when getting started:
o www.MyPartTimePRO.com (their tag line says it all: ‘Meaningful work. Flexible time commitment’.)
o www.execSearches.com, for senior positions, national, with the occasional international listings.
o www.HigherEdJobs.com focused on the worlds of academia from support staff to college/university presidents and chancellors, etc.
o www.TheLadders.com , specializes in jobs starting at $100k, and covers all industries
o If you have a car/motorcycle/bicycle, etc., have it thoroughly serviced. Using your local vocational training center (usually a high school or community college) to reduce the cost of repairs is a good place to start. You will have to fit your needs into their schedule, but the instructors are certified professionals, the students welcome the experience, and the customer service is quite good. Being able to get away periodically is an important part of managing stress and maintaining good mental health. And, at the moment, having your own transportation is cheaper than taking a bus, train, or flying.
Exercise …
o Exercise, when combined with a healthy diet, mental engagement and plenty of sleep, will help manage stress and/or anxiety. Some of the benefits include clear eyes, good posture, energy and a better mental focus, characteristics that indicate vitality, good health, and confidence, resulting in a strong presentation and positive first impression when facing the public and meeting potential employers. Discipline will be required for 30-minutes of daily exercise and, if possible, keep your gym membership current, and/or utilize exercise videos. If making the time is a challenge, having an exercise buddy might be helpful.
o While not exactly exercise, getting plenty of sleep is important. Giving your mind a chance to completely relax is always a good thing.
Your Personal Appearance & Beauty Routine…. (For men & women)
Maintaining appearances is a requirement that can be very expensive, and the services of local vocational schools’ training programs in cosmetology (e.g., usually a high school or community college), where the instructors are certified professionals, and the cost can, sometimes, be less than half of what you’d pay at a salon, can be a reasonable alternative. Again, you will have to fit your needs to their schedule, and you may find yourself spending a little more time communicating your wishes, but sampling these services when traveling around the US, I’ve never had a bad experience.
Some of the services you can take advantage of:
o Hair styling, cuts, shampoos, perms, braiding, extensions and coloring
o Professional barbering for men (e.g., beard/moustache maintenance, shaves, facials, haircuts, etc.)
o Manicures
o Pedicures
o Waxing
o Body-wraps
o Collect samples of your favorite cosmeceutical products from the upscale department stores and boutiques that offer them, as well as requesting samples on-line. With diligence, you can stock up a month’s supply before you have to replenish.
o Need a tailor or your shoes repaired? The local vocational schools (or fashion institutes for a tailor), can be helpful there too.
Social Commitments…
Not losing touch with family, friends and colleagues is critical when you’re not working, and trying to manage your debt. A personal network is a great resource for personal and professional outreach and support. Most importantly, don’t be shy about letting friends and family know that your financial situation has changed, you’ll be modifying, your lifestyle, and would appreciate their support. How to survive and have a social life at no or less cost than before? Some ideas that I know work:
o Limit the number of times you eat out (e.g., once a week)
o Have a dining-out budget and stick to it (e.g., limit your drinks to one, only order to an appetizer or two, and a dessert. This is especially effective if you’re on a diet)
o Host friends at your home, and ask them to bring a dish (or two), and the libations
o If you are a good cook and enjoy cooking, invite friends to pay for the ingredients and you be the chef
o Be prudent when accepting invitations (e.g., vacations, being a bridesmaid/ best man, baby showers, theme parties, weekends away, etc.), and managing the related expenses
o Give gifts of service (e.g., baby-sitting (weekends especially!), meal-making, reading aloud, pet/house watching, negotiate I.O.U.s for favors, etc.)
o Barter services and goods whenever possible. You’ll increase your network and add an interesting dimension to some of your existing relationships
o Join a book club
o Visit www.festivals.com for fairs, fiestas, carnivals or other social celebrations
Volunteer Work
The not for profit sector was hit the hard when their biggest patrons (e.g., Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and others), went out of business. Working with an organization of your choice will not only provide much needed help for a good cause, but socially, will be an opportunity to meet new people, and contribute your time, expertise and knowledge in a way that will be appreciated and make a difference. You might even find that the connection that could mean a new job. Some of my personal favorites:
o My alma mater (what alumnae/i association doesn’t need help?!)
o Chamber Dance Project, www.chamberdance.org , (a company of ballet dancers and musicians that I love)
o NYC/NJ FIRST, www.nycnjfirst.org (a robotics competition for elementary & secondary school students that is awesome),
Surviving with a sound mind & body means you’ll live to share tales of survival, enjoy new friends and colleagues, and you’ll be that much wiser.
