Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Even if you haven’t, you are probably like most people, who at least think about improving their lives in the coming year. Often with a career change or at least a better job.

But with the world in the grip of a huge economic downturn, it’s hard to believe that this is going to be achievable.

However, there is a lot you can do if you want to ensure that your life gets better and not worse during the recession.

One very positive step you can take is to enhance your skills. Traditionally, a lot of people go back to college to ride out a recession, with a view to coming out more qualified at the end and in a stronger position to get a new job when the economic climate is more favourable.

But not everyone can afford to go back to studying full-time. Don’t let this put you off – there are hundreds of opportunities out there which are affordable and in some cases free, depending on your circumstances.

Take a look at your profession or the industry in which you are currently working, or your past jobs if you are out of work. What are the most important skills at the moment? That is, the skills which employers are looking for and will pay for. If you want to get hired or stay hired during the recession, it is an excellent idea is to become highly skilled in the most in-demand areas.

So take a look at what is going on around you, in your own industry or other industries where your skills would be valued. Then get really good at what you do, become an expert in your own area and hone your transferable skills to ope up new opportunities.

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