When two Washington policy economists come together – where one is the Co-director of the Liberal Center for Economic and Policy Research and the other is the Director of Economic Policy Studies at the Conservative American Enterprise Institute… and both agree – we should pay attention! 

 There are over 5 million Americans who have been unemployed for more than half a year.  This long term unemployment rate has been rising with no end in sight.  Dean Baker, a liberal policy economist and Jeffrey Brown, a conservative policy economist were interviewed together (YouTube link below); and both agreed that long term unemployment is a “worsening human disaster throughout the United States.” 

 Points both economists agree on

 ▬        The US long term unemployment problem in a national emergency.

▬        Historically, long term unemployment has not been a problem – making up less than 1% of the total number of those unemployed.  Today it makes up about 30%! 

▬        Long term unemployment is hitting older folks hard. Job seekers over 50 are having a difficult time competing with younger job seekers.

▬        Long term unemployment is affecting minorities.  Long term unemployment is much higher for Hispanics and African-Americans – about twice the overall rate.

▬        Loosing a job is like experiencing a death in the family.  Long term unemployment can take a year and a half off of one’s life expectancy.  Suicide rates are higher and statistics show that there are an extra 130 suicides a MONTH directly related to long term unemployment.

▬        Neither party, democrats nor republicans, have a clue how to react or respond to this dilemma.

▬        We have to go back to the Great Depression to see numbers like what we have.

The answer lies in the 5 Steps to Rapid Employment© using the 8 Protean Success Principles

 When long term unemployed individuals follow the 5 Steps to Rapid Employment© and embrace the 8 Protean Success Principles, they will land rewarding opportunities quickly.  The foundation to rapid employment is:

1.  Fear Management.  Long term unemployed individuals must learn how to conquer fear and overcome a sense of hopelessness by using the emotional channeling techniques taught in Step 1 of the 5 Steps to Rapid Employment program©.  A positive and confident attitude is critical.
2.  Re-think What You Know.  Long term unemployed individuals must transform themselves from job seekers into opportunity seekers. They must be proactive and conduct a high energy and effective job campaign… NOT A JOB SEARCH !
3.  Discipline.  Long term unemployed individuals must be prepared to do what they don’t want to do – to achieve all that they want.  This includes having the very best resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and written action plans; and to take massive action to implement their plans.
4.  Mentors, Coaches, and Teams.  Long term unemployed individuals must seek out mentors, coaches, and surround themselves with a solution-focused team of individuals.  They must spend time with innovative, upbeat, and resilient people who will provide positive and productive support.
5.  Health.  Long term unemployment requires physical and emotional vitality.  One of the best strategies for landing a job quickly is to have a well-designed health and fitness plan.  This will result in positive “energy” and that will produce positive results.

  To view the interview with Dean Baker and Jeffrey Brown, go to:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/jan-june12/unemployment_05-14.html