Perfect time to update your resume

 Updating your resume is never fun but always necessary. Even if you are not currently seeking a new position, you should always be prepared and have your resume up to date. And what better time than now while everyone has some extra time during “the Quarantine”. 

I am excited to partner with Ga State University as a Resume Reviewer this week. Free remote resume review sessions are one of many free events and webinars that they are hosting currently. 

See below for more details on how you can sign up for a slot (Meetings are held through calls and Zoom remote logins).

If you cannot make one of those time slots, check out my resume tips here and I would be happy to help you individually!

How to Create a Resume: https://jennmeansbusiness.com/how-to-1

Georgia State Upcoming Career Events & Seminars

The Georgia State Alumni Association offers informative and valuable programming   year-round. During this time that we are unable to offer in-person seminars   and career services events we are pleased to present the following virtual   programs.

FREE   Virtual Resume Review
Monday, April 20, 2020
 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
 

If you are currently seeking employment or looking to transition into a new   field, this is an opportunity to meet virtually one-on-one with our career   counselor to review your current resume. *Limited appointment times   available. First come, first serve basis. To check on appointment time   availability please send an e-mail to dcohen@gsu.edu

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 FREE Virtual Resume Review
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET
 

 If you are currently seeking employment or looking to transition into a new   field, this is an opportunity to meet virtually one-on-one with our career   counselor to review your current resume. *Limited appointment times available.   First come, first serve basis. To check on appointment time availability   please send an e-mail to dcohen@gsu.edu

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Preparation is key. Those 3 words could NOT ring any more true right now. COVID-19, The Corona Virus, “The Rona”… call it whatever you’d like. The fact is- it came out of nowhere, spiraled fast, and threw us all into circumstances that one could never truly be prepared for. Who would have known, right?!

What I am thankful for is that despite being fully prepared for this out-of-the-blue pandemic, I have been “planning” all along by having the tools in place and securing back up plans as a general way of life. 

Let me explain…

About a month ago- the “crap hit the fan” with my job. Due to planning ahead for the “worst” in regards to decreased recurring client revenue coming in, expected lulls in sales, the “unknown” for the future of our company, etc., my CEO decided to move us all to part time work hours and part time salaries effective immediately and through September of this year (pending re-evaluation in September). This was a shock to all of us. How do you pay your bills? How do you cover your other expenses? How do you protect your job long term and ensure that if there does have to be layoffs your position is not one of them? So many fears, so many questions, so many unknowns… and no time to prepare. 

After some tears (and some stiff drinks), I immediately took action. My first phone call was to my financial advisor Susan Riley (see my full writeup on her in the influencers section) who immediately reminded me that this is WHY we plan ahead. This is WHY we make sure that we have a “safety net” through a “game plan” that includes savings, diversified accounts, budgets, etc. 

Talking to her not only reassured me that I would be okay but also reminded me that although you can’t plan for something like “COVID-19”, you CAN prepare yourself financially to have the stability that you need to survive and the confidence to know that you have options.

Thankfully, I will be okay financially as I wait to see what the future holds for not only my career, but the world in general, which will be forever changed. My hope is that if you don’t have a plan NOW that you DO take some steps to create your own backup plan. 

If you need a financial advisor to help you through it, please find her info here:

https://jennmeansbusiness.com/influencers

In the meantime, you CAN:

• Figure out your current budget (essentials vs non-essentials) so that you know what you’re working with as far as what your income is minus your essential expenses that are unavoidable.

• Determine where you can cut unnecessary costs (ex. Is there a low cost meal plan option that you can use that provides pick up or delivery if you don’ t have the time to cook and can’t afford to eat out? I’m happy to recommend one if you don’t know of one).

• Look into whether any of the companies that you owe money to offer any extensions or deferred payment options? (ex. many mortgage companies are allowing for deferred payments that will not include penalties). It never hurts to ask!

• Find places to cut small expenses that can add up. Can you cancel any subscriptions that are unnecessary? (gyms are allowing you to “freeze” your accounts right now; those other small subscriptions that are $10 a month like Spotify add up when money is tight).

• Temporarily decrease the amount of money you are currently putting into retirement. (ex. Many companies are offering the ability to adjust your 401k contributions even if it’s not officially the enrollment period) Don’t take out of these accounts, but you can temporarily adjust what you are contributing if you need the cash now. 

• Do you have any non-retirement savings money that you can use? If at all possible, AVOID taking money out of your 401k! This is the time to “borrow” from yourself.

• Start tracking all of your expenses. Data is power. Maybe after you see what you spend on you can find ways to cut or eliminate some expenses.

Times are crazy – but it’s never too late to make a plan and start planning for the future! As COVID-19 has shown us… you never know!  

Stay Safe!