We Are All Self-Employed

Today's reality certainly does require a strong dose of self-assessment. And the sad truth is that women especially find it harder to land a job after being "downsized." Sadly, women also show far too much humility about their talents and skills. If you want people to value your skills, you must first show that you value yourself -- by making sure your accomplishments are visible to targeted audiences beyond a resume and job-seeking letter. Potential employers have to know who you are, what you have accomplished and why they should put you on their team! That often takes visibility outside the traditional marketplace and into the social contract of targeted community activities. Then your activities need to be promoted loudly to the right audience. This is particularly important if you take the route of self-employment. Self-promotion isn't bragging. It is a valuable business tool that career women must add to their strategies for success, whether you are looking for a new job, or setting up your own business. (from Marion E. Gold, award-winning author of "The Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU")

This is one of the most useful books for someone who is facing redeployment,downsizing, being laid off or whatever the current euphemism is these days for losing your job. It's also handy for finding a new job for yourself when you are dissatisfied with your current situation.The book title says it all: today, you MUST view yourself as self-employed to control your career path. No one will do that for you. The heady days of the Dot-Coms and IT boom, when headhunters stopped taking corporate clients and couldn't find enough people to fill positions have evaporated almost overnight. Now those courted employees are being laid off and must once again, pound the pavement. Don't suffer a rude awakening. After the period when you feel anger and loss (understandable) you need to take control and steer your own career. This book is absolutely invaluable to help you do that, and to get over the nasty shock of loss, betrayal, feeling of failure, whatever you are experiencing from a temporary lull in your personal path.This is not a how-to book. It's about changing your attitude and habits permanently to protect yourself in the corporate world, no matter what the climate. Don't forget to re-read it from time to time, to remind yourself of what you need to do to stay on course. This is one of the best books on the subject and I think far, far more than "What Color is your Parachute."