Archive 2009

February 2009

S.O.S.

We're here to help

We've received dozens of SOS letters and emails from those who have recently lost their positions in the most challenging job market we've faced in over 70 years. Unlike our grandparents, or the baby boomers' parents, we are ill-prepared to face these conditions emotionally in the US. This unprecedented condition in our lifetime has led to an all-out panic, or if not, then a dully throbbing, unsubsiding level of anxiety in pretty much everyone I speak with.  Small consolation that no one is really spared, but we can all commiserate together on our new condition. It is indeed the new age of austerity.

I've thought about the benefit, or, if you will, the silver lining behind this storm cloud: is there one, first of all?  I think there are several: 

Less materialism and gross overspending have prompted all of us to look back to the basics - after all, isn't it some of the fundamental things in life that really earn a top place on our happiness roster?  Taking a walk on a sunny day, grabbing a cup of java with a good friend and having a heart to heart talk, or playing basketball in the backyard with your kid...

A renewed sense of vigor and appreciation for what we do have available - I noticed that a major retail store opening in Wakefield would be hiring 340 new employees in April - in the old days, it would have been very difficult for some of our more stable employers to attract candidates for the less "sexy" jobs out there.  

The young people graduating from college today will mature in the workforce with some of the strongest work ethics out there - they will have a refined sense of how good times are just that: "times" - with the attendant ebbs and flows that go along with changing markets.  They will be far more resourceful and resilient as a result of having had to face this market as their first job market. They will have to figure out a lot of stuff on their own. Tough times can really build character.

More downtime can offer each one of us greater focus on 'My Time' - while the stress of being unemployed can certainly contribute to health problems, this phase also affords us the time to build better personal habits that allow us to sustain and cope better - more time to exercise, (dare I say it) more time to sleep, and to plan well-balanced meals for ourselves and/or our family.

All of us here at Laufer and Associates are committed to helping anyone of you who may be at the end of his or her resources. We hope you know that if we can, we will help you to change your circumstances, by informing you of your choices, your rights and the (frequently changing) legislation that will protect your health benefits in Massachusetts if you are unemployed.   And lastly, we may just have your next job waiting for you.

June 2009

Building our House upon a Rock

We cannot rebuild this economy on the same pile of sand. We must build our house upon a rock," President Obama said. 

Let's think about this for a moment.  Some of our foundations seem to have crumbled and many have viewed this as the most devastating economic crisis since the Great Depression.  Yet, there are glimmers of hope evident around the world that we are likely approaching the cessation of the bottoming out.  Despite the recent announcement of GM's bankruptcy, the stock market continues to inch upward.  If this continues, we can anticipate an increase in hiring activity within 4-6 months.   With summer and its attendant rebirth, comes hope, and with hope, the innate resiliency that all human beings possess.  I believe we still have that house upon a rock, but maybe we've thrown a pile of sand on top of it.  I am optimistic that with this momentum, the third and fourth quarters will show we've started to dig ourselves out.

Laufer Welcomes our New Office Manager, Marketing Coordinator Ellinor Chandler

I would like to introduce Ellinor Chandler who will be taking over my position at Laufer starting June 10, 2009. I will be heading off to graduate school but we are very excited to leave the newsletter and office manager duties in Ellinor's capable hands. Thanks everyone! Good luck to all in the future!
 
Here's Ellinor:
I'm originally from Florida but have been living and working up here in Massachusetts for over four years now. I love Boston and all it has to offer me, the arts, the ocean and Fenway Park! There's always something going on and I love taking part in as much of it as I can. I'm very excited to be here with the Laufer team! Although I'm sad that Emily is leaving us, I am enthused to be taking over her role.

November 2009

Eve Cartwright, Our New Vice President!

We are delighted to announce that Eve Cartwright has joined our team as the Vice President of Staffing.

Eve has 25 years combined experience working in Human Resources and recruiting agencies. She has placed candidates in entry level administrative positions up to C-level executives and everything in between. Her clients represent a vast array of industries across New England, including Biotech, Healthcare, Financial Services, Marketing, Publishing, Online Media and Academia.

Eve is an invaluable asset to our team. We are ecstatic to have her onboard and we know you will be too!
"I am thrilled to be working with such a professional and capable team of recruiters."

December 2009

Giving Thanks

No doubt it's been a long year for all of us as we tighten the belt, spend frugally and reconsider any expenditures. Doom and gloom not withstanding, the climate feels like it's changing; there's evidence of more traction in the market, candidates are finding permanent positions as well as temporary positions a little bit quicker. We have cobbled together some uplifting and helpful data for you to peruse in this issue.  Perhaps it is opportune that Thanksgiving is here. We do have much to be grateful for, and look optimistically ahead for 2010.  Be well and safe this holiday!