Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

For some workers, it is (almost) past plan "B"

Today's labor and economic market means many mature workers who never got around to saving and who are still debt-ridden, are now looking at losing jobs. Many are at a point where working in any capacity may be a better option than not working at all.

If you find yourself in this situation, we want you to think about "portfolio" careers. Briefly, a portfolio suggests that you may have to consider doing more than one thing or taking more than one job in order to make ends meet. By balancing your efforts to earn money, you offset the downside of waiting too long with too little income, even if the work you find is simply designed to weather the storm of an economic downturn.

Here's a plan that works for many people caught in the trap of hard times. If you are looking for work:

- Look first for the marketplace need not for the job posting. By the time a job is posted, the competition is usually fierce.

- Then, look at job postings. But, where are the best postings for the over 50 crowd? We like workforce50.com; retirementjobs.com; 6figurejobs.com; boomerjobs.com;retiredbrains.com and wiserworker.com.

- Mature-worker "friendly" employers are listed on AARP's website. Look up their National Employers' Team and their Best Employers. There is help at your fingertips.

- Even when you have left your last regular, full-time career and even if you do not wish to return to this line of work, this is still where you are most marketable (unless the career itself no longer exists). Swallow your new dream for a short while and position yourself as an on-demand temp using your most marketable assets. You'll still have time for other pursuits.

- Are you missing some key skills for jobs that are available? Fill-in the gaps at your local community college before your savings really dry up. Yes, you can look for opportunities while you learn new skills. Current skills are the ticket to hop the train into the new world of work.

- Forget false pride. Work itself is honorable and, frankly, nobody but you cares what you do for a living. You will be admired for facing the future on its own terms. In fact, as strong economic times return, prospective employers will respect you for your courage to "do what it takes" in the face of adversity.

- Scour our archives of past Ageless in America's newsletters for ideas you may not have considered.

If you are still working, but know that your employer is obviously struggling - be part of the solution. Can you take on additional responsibilities as people leave the organization? Can you volunteer for projects that will elevate your profile? If approached to take a cut in pay or a cut in time worked, consider it seriously and graciously. Are the many older workers in your organization? Now might be a good time for your employer to consider a phased retirement policy as a cost savings and retention strategy.