The Job Market Goes Binary: You're Marketable or You're Out in the Cold, with Nowhere to Go

 The shift was abrupt. One day those in a professional niche are marketable. If they became unhappy with work conditions they could simply hunt for another opportunity. That includes both employees and those contracted to provide services.

BINARY LABOR MARKET

Now, the labor market is hardening into a binary state. There are those who remain marketable, such as the powerhouse partner brandnames in large law firms such Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden and Paul Weiss. And then there are those, ranging from specialists in DEI to providers of woo-woo services/products, who, as demand dries up, have nowhere to go.

NOWHERE TO GO

Politico features that development for government employees whose knowledge base had been ensuring equitable recruiting, retention and promotion of a diverse workforce. In this mid-sized city in southeastern Arizona, as a career coach, I am bearing witness to the shuttering of services/product vendors related to what is known as "woo-woo." Those could be marketing herbs or hosting specials events to bring enlightenment. 

What characterizes both had been a belief that they were "doing the right thing." There was an intense sense of purpose. Yes, a sense of having a vocation. 

BEYOND SURVIVAL

Now, there is the dismay of having to start all over again. As I point out in this article published in "O'Dwyer Public Relations," career change usually is a tough transition. In the process the value of a knowledge base, skills and network of contacts can go poof. No longer is there a solid professional identity. Confidence has to be rebuilt.

But there is a path beyond grabbing at mere survival. The most promising approach is old-fashioned American pragmatism. Think about it: Those settling America started their own businesses. So did many of the later immigrants. My relatives from Italy set up shops selling ingredients for those ethic dishes.

That embrace of the entrepreneurial came in play again big-time during the late 1980s purge of middle aged middle managers in corporate downsizing. Business media such as Fortune made juicy headlines of all that. But we found our way through entrepreneurship. Staples, with its then-new category of office products for small businesses, took off. In its aisles we agonized about using white or ivory business stationary.

The same career DIY phenomenon is unfolding today. 

Again, there's a flight into the entrepreneurial. It's not necessarily about creating an empire such as Apple or OpenAI. It's about making a good living as a business owner. 

Babson College documents a surge in the entrepreneurial. That's up 18% for women and 20% for males. In April I am delivering a webinar on how to get started. For the over-50 that can be the ideal landing. Over 50% of small business owners are in that age bracket. Here is my article on Substack.

Most of those I guide in career coaching who still have day jobs are developing small businesses on the side. They got it: It's an illusion to assume employment security. A few have honed a practiced eye for what used has value. A client dumpster dives in the evening. This cubby brought $10 on Craigslist. 

They have much more inventory in the garage.

Low on hope about finding, holding, or moving on to better work?  Getting that back is the first step. Then you and I, as your career coach, move on to diagnosing what's in the way, trying out the solutions and creating the communications you need. Free consultation. No pressure. After that, fees custom-made for your budget. Please contact for an appointment Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).