Scattered Thunderstorms and Your Job Search

"If Plan 'A' fails, remember that you still have 25 letters remaining." ~ Unknown

The morning of June 23, 2012 was overcast with gray skies and storm clouds looming over our son’s wedding day. Someone told me that it doesn’t rain on golf courses and it won’t rain on rose gardens. I checked the online weather forecast and read and re-read the following entry. I kept trying to convince myself that if I read it enough times, it would change:

Scattered Thunderstorms Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon hours. High 81F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

The outdoor wedding venue had been selected and reserved months ago. Planning had been underway for days. Decorations had been decided. Bows were marked for their respective locations. Bottled water and fans were packed for distribution as guests arrived at the garden. The rental van with chairs was slated to arrive for a 2:00 P.M. set up. The 5:00 o’clock outdoor wedding seemed less and less likely as the hours progressed. At noon, the rain showers arrived. No problem, chairs hadn’t been placed yet – things will be fine. The outdoor wedding will go on. As the skies continued to grow darker, and the showers did not scatter, it became increasingly clear that Plan B was upon us.

Plan B – head to the church some 20 blocks away. Everyone scrambled. Everyone carried something. Everyone decorated something once we arrived inside out of the rain. And did it ever rain and rain and rain. And the string quartet played beautiful music. And the vases of roses stood tall. And the GM (Groom’s Mom) read a heartfelt poem she had written for the bride and groom. And the Officiant delivered a poignant ceremony. And the vows were repeated by the bride and groom.  And the couple married. And they didn’t seem to care one iota if the wedding took place indoors or out.

Plan B.

As it relates to your search for new work, do you have a Plan B in mind just in case Plan A doesn’t work out for you?  Not only do you have a Plan B, how about Plans C, D and E in this competitive job search market?  Here are a few ideas for you to consider about career options:

~~~Consider alternative jobs within an industry of preference.

~~~Conduct extensive research in learning about jobs of potential interest.

~~~Speak with individuals who perform work for which you have some interest – learn from those with strong mastery of their craft.

~~~Build a vibrant career transition team and stay connected to keep ideas and options flowing.

~~~Explore the skillset and credentials needed to perform jobs of interest and what skills, if any, do you need to add (or refine) to become a seriously competitive candidate?

~~~Stay committed to the process of career transition and do not give up until you get what you want, and or need.

Whether you are pursuing a particular job or want to get accepted into a particular university or educational program, perhaps it would be wise and well to consider your options – just in case Plan A gets rained out.