Beating Unemployment

by Wes Fessler

So the recession is over: right? Wave the flags and throw the confetti--happy days are here again. The economists have been hanging banners about the recession's end since the roaring day of summer in 2009 when the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a whopping 9,171. That's all very impressive and all, and the Dow is now holding a ruler's edge course somewhere around ten thousand, but for many the pain of the recession still lingers to this day, with few signs of easing (especially for those among the unemployed).

Unemployment has taken a toll on the American worker in a big way, and few who have lost their jobs will be joining the celebration of the economists any time soon. For some, unemployment benefits have pulled them through dark times, but for those who are still unable to find jobs to get back on their feet, the well is about to run dry, as unemployment benefits will be allowed to expire.

So what have the unemployed been doing while out of work...sitting on the couch with their feet up? That's what Washington lawmakers would have you believe. It's not true, and it is unfair of anyone who is enjoying a paycheck to make such allegations. The unemployed have been scraping their money together to send out resumes, buy newspapers for classified ads, and wearing out their shoes, while beating on doors that no one will answer.

Businesses are reluctant to hire in times of continuing uncertainty. Some businesses are scared and still barely scraping by. Some have the money, but are holding back--holding out for their competitors to make the first move. Still other businesses have cut their workforces dramatically--forcing the remaining workers to take on the responsibilities of those who lost their jobs in addition to their own. In short, the heartbeat of hiring has flatlined.

Job seekers have been knocked down by their previous employers, kicked down in worry and financial turmoil, and insulted by businesses who won't even glance at the resumes that job seekers have sacrificed to deliver in search of new jobs.

Although it may only offer hope to a portion of those who are unemployed, there may be an alternative solution to the endless process of scratching out resumes, or browsing through classified ads: that hope can be found in those who are willing to beat the job holders at their own game. For those who have the experience, tenacity, and specialized skills, starting a business may offer the solution to a continuous struggle that appears to be completely beyond personal control. For those in the right circumstances, it may be the perfect time to head in a completely different direction than the job boards, and instead to build businesses of their own. If you can’t join ‘em…beat ‘em.

It may sound crazy, and for a majority of job seekers it is, but for some with the appropriate skill sets, opportunities, and the financial cushion to make it a reality, this may be the sensible alternative to counting solely on breaking into a job market that is securely locked up.