Unemployment Is The New Black

Unfortunately, this sentiment is true. With so many people unemployed, it's like a new fashion trend. Perhaps the only bright side is the support we can find in one another. The community of the jobless, if you will.

Co-workers share office parties, marriages and births, break-ups and conversations of how their boss is as awkward as Michael Scott. The workplace forms a bond between people. Many laid-off colleagues are keeping in contact to provide a place to commiserate, brainstorm and give an empathic shoulder to lean on.

Stay in touch with each other, plan get-togethers and connect via social (the Facebook and Twitters of the world) and business (the LinkedIns out there) networks. It will broaden everyone’s reach and exposure too.

It's not only great to have people around who understand what you are going through but these people also know your work ethic, abilities and experience. They may just turn to you when they hear about some great job opening at their sister-in-law’s neighbor's brother's company.

So if you are stuck as part of this “trend” right now, do your best to support and be supported! This sense of community definitely helps in these tough times.

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Viva La France!

Well, sort of. The 5th and Bainbridge French bistro Coquette has added “Specks” to their menu. Specks are small $2.50 snacks and go perfectly with a glass of wine or beer.

These delish, and more than affordable, treats include an edamame salad, pork and rice albondigas (meatballs) in guajilla salsa and crisp fried smelts.

So it may be time to pay Coquette Bistro a visit to sit at the bar with a French cocktail and a petite appetizer. Enjoy!

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Lay Off Survival Tips.

Got laid off? Yup.

Now what do you do? First, don't panic. Your new job is to find one. Your home office is now command central.

Next, start with the basics. Networking is key in these circumstances. So is taking inventory of yourself - what do you bring to the table, what are your experiences?

Monster.com has outlined some steps to help you get focused and stay the course.

1. Breathe
2. Get Out the Contact List
3. Inventory What You Offer
4. Define Your Targets
5. Cultivate Multiple Channels
6. Create Channels for People to Find You
7. Follow the Pareto Principle
8. Get Out and Talk to People

For more details, check out this link to Monster.com.

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Pink Slip Party.

A Pink Slip Party is an event that brings together unemployed job seekers with hiring companies. Sort of a job fair with cocktails.

JobCircle is hosting a Pink Slip Party on April 14th. The party will be held at the Great American Pub in Conshohocken. All you have to do is show up with copies of your resume, buy a drink* and chat it up with recruiters and hiring managers. This offers a relaxed alternative to usual networking.

When you get to the door the night of the party, you receive a color-coded bracelet that will identify you as a job seeker or recruiter. Cuts out all the guesswork. So visit the JobCirlce web site for more info and registration details.

Have fun and happy networking!

*Just remember, not toooo many cocktails.

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Beat The Blues, Italian Style.

Got the recession blues? Then you need to stop by D'Angelo's Ristorante in Rittenhouse Square.

D'Angelo's Happy Hour features:
$ 4.00 Wines by the Glass
$ 5.00 Mixed Drinks
$ 5.00 Martinis
$ 2.50 Imported Beers
$ 2.00 Domestic Beers
AND Complimentary Hors d’ Oeuvres!

So "make 5PM - 7PM Monday through Friday the Happiest Hours of your week" at D'Angelo's (20th St. between Locust and Spruce). Salute!

Game On.

Can't spend the $ for tickets to the Phillies season opener on Sunday? No worries.

Catch the game at Manny Brown's Bar and Grill, 5th and South Streets. They are having "Phillies Game Opener Sunday Nite" featuring $1 PBR pounders and $1 hot dogs from 8 PM until the end of the game.

So don't let the unemployment woes get you down on opening day. Grab a couple of dogs, PBRs and watch the World Champs play the first game of the '09 season!

GO PHILS!!!!!!!!

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