As we wait for the April jobs report, some experts weigh in on how bad job
losses will be in this economic downturn.
There's no question that most experts predict that there will be many months of
bad job news, as more employers cut jobs and hold off hiring new employees until
the economy gets back on track... but the question some are asking deals with how
bad will the job losses be compared to previous recessions.
In a recent issue of Business Week, James Cooper discusses how several
factors in this downturn may make the job losses not as great as in the past. A
combination of a massive economic stimulus package and close to a decade of
lean hiring years, he says, equates in a need to lay off fewer workers.
But even so-called safe career fields, such as education, are going to take some
big hits as state governments make massive spending cuts -- including in education,
forcing local school board to layoff teachers and other staff.
As we ride out this recession, if you have a job (or jobs), do your best to keep it.
If you've been streamlined or downsized, get talking with your network of contacts.
And regardless of your job situation, keep careful track of all your accomplishments --
and showcase your value to your current or future employer.
