Just lost my job! Looking for career planning resources...

In My Humble Opinion
1

I just found out that after my maternity leave ends next summer, I will not have a job to return to. :frowning:

I had an idea this would happen, but it’s still quite an unpleasant experience. The corporation I work for is downsizing and my job has been deemed unnecessary.

SO … I am looking for some resources (preferably online) regarding career planning, aptitude/personality testing, and predictions re: the types of jobs that will be in demand in a year or so. I have looked at monster.ca but didn’t find it very useful.

My corporation will pay for a couple of courses, but I can’t be too ambitious, because I will be at home with a brand-new baby. So ideally I would like to find something that melds (is that a word?) with my current skills and abilities, but that will give me a bit of an edge in the job market.

My skills are basically Administrative, unfortunately. I was thinking of focusing on Records Management, OR Payroll Accounting, OR Accounts Payable or Receivable, OR …?

Any thoughts / ideas / words of advice / encouragement? Thanks!

2

Wait a minute. Isn’t it illegal to fire a woman on maternity leave?

3

I think you must be right. From the BC Labour Laws

Any employment lawyers in the house?

  • Rebekkah
4

You have a year’s notice? I think your title is a little misleading… :slight_smile: That said, unfortunately I can’t offer you much advice. But I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do!

She’s not on maternity leave yet. At least, that’s the impression I get.

5

Considered legal secretarial positions?

They pay better and feature less mindless drudgery than most administrative positions (in general).

6

It doesn’t sound like she’s being let go because of her pregnancy, so I doubt those laws would apply.

Good luck, Stainz!

7

Hi- my job is being eliminated, I’m not being ‘fired’. :slight_smile:

I’m looking for resources on career planning that will tell me what kind of jobs there are out there, that may be in demand.

Any suggestions?

8

Could you afford to be a full-time mother?

9

Hi Quartz - Obviously not, or I wouldn’t be so concerned about my career path.

10

You may find this link useful.

http://www.jist.com/free_resources.shtm

As far as outlook for what jobs will be in demand in the future, this site from the US Department of Labor is a pretty good source. YMMV in Canada, but probably not by all that much.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

11

Also try this site . You can read descriptions of different types of careers and get an industry outlook, also job hunting tips, resume ideas, etc.

12

Cool - thanks lorene and Harriet! I know I have a whole year to prepare, but since most of that year is going to be taken up with caring for a brand new baby … I figure I’d better do my homework now … :slight_smile:

13

You might also want to check out your local library or the main branch of your town library. They usually have some resources for kids who are graduating, and the main branch of my city’s library had a full job center, including people who could critique your resume and tell you what you needed to get into a given field.

CJ