Finding the Right Career

Are you re-entering the workforce after raising kids? Looking to take the next step in your career? Have you just been laid off or fired?

No matter why you're on the job hunt, you're bound to find out that the landscape has changed since you last looked for work. The good news is as the first of the baby boomers retire, employers are facing a shortage of qualified employees, giving job hunters a sizable advantage. Unfortunately, thanks to technology and an ever increasing demand for productivity in the workplace, your new job will be a lot more demanding than your last. According to author Sylvia Ann Hewlett, who studies employment trends as the president of the Center for Work-Life Policy in New York, the average work week for many has stretched from 40 to 50 hours and in some cases soars as high as 70 hours. Even part-timers are working what used to be close to a full-time week. So where ever you land, expect your new job to hold a more rigorous schedule than jobs that you have held in the past.

If you're going to be working harder, it's even more important to get a job you'll really like-a job that will not only help you meet your financial and career goals, but will also reward your psyche, by stimulating your creativity and giving you that feeling of accomplishment that sometimes only the workplace (and of course, that paycheck) can provide.

How do you get started? For most of us, this is the biggest obstacle we face when it comes to finding a new job. It's just so hard to get started. There's no real deadline and nobody breathing down your neck to make sure you send that resume or call that contact. So take advantage of this time to create a strong and clear job seeking strategy. Keep the following in mind while working on your job search:

• What you love to do? What have you dreamed of doing in the past? What do you naturally enjoy doing? Jot down what comes to mind, no matter how improbable it seems.

• Think outside the box. Take note of projects or topics that stir your compassion or excite your imagination. Reflect on stories of people you admire. Ask yourself why certain activities make you happy, and pay attention to those things you really enjoy doing.

• Be patient. Remember that your search may take some time and you might have to go down a few different roads before finding the right career path. Time and introspection will help you identify the activities you most enjoy and that bring you true satisfaction.

Once you have figured out which career path looks promising, you can begin weighing important considerations, like salary and work/life balance. After taking a close examination of what your career goals and objectives are, you will be best equipped to start on your next task of how to find the job that is right for you!

Visit www.iambuffaloniagarajobs.org for the latest job postings for whatever life and career stage you’re at.

New Member Profile: Welcome Atlantic Bedding and Furniture!

The Partnership has recently welcomed Atlantic Bedding and Furniture (ABF) to its growing list of members.  We believe that as a national company with a local owner/operator, Atlantic Bedding will benefit from the extensive networking and business expertise offered by the Partnership.  We believe that these tools will expand Atlantic’s customer base and accelerate their success.

Atlantic Bedding sets itself apart by offering quality bedding, furniture, and accessories at rock bottom prices.  Local owner/operator Chris Schunk operates the WNY showroom and warehouse in Lancaster, New York, which is a part of a network of 40+ outlets across the eastern United States.  Schunk views the Lancaster showroom as his first and has plans to expand both in Western New York and into other regions as well.  For customer convenience, shipping to the nearest outlet is always included in the price or you can ask about a white-glove home delivery option. 

Why Atlantic Bedding and Furniture Joined the Partnership:

Chris says he views the Partnership as a tool for his success as an entrepreneur and is excited about what is to come.  “There is an extensive network of businesses throughout the region that can be beneficial to other businesses, and the Partnership helps facilitate these connections,” says Schunk.  As an entrepreneur, he chose Buffalo as the place to start his business adding, “I love Western New York, and when I found Atlantic Bedding and Furniture I found a perfect fit for me and Western New York because it brings a great value to the area that it deserves.”

Contact Information:

6495 Transit Road, Suite 16 
Lancaster, NY 14026 
Telephone: 716-681-8121

Post written by Katie Mertens, a communications intern at the Partnership.  Katie is an junior at the University at Buffalo from Binghamton, NY studying public relations.