Job Clubs: Helping You Get Back to Work by Alexa Cala

March 9, 2009 by Alexis Cala
by Alexis Cala, PICurrent Assistant Producer

Courtesy of Corp for a Skilled Workforce
Like many things in life, it’s easier to overcome an obstacle when you have a support system. Why should it be any different for the 11 million Americans who are still job hunting?

Job clubs all over the U.S. are providing networking and group support for the unemployed. The loss of a job can be very stressful.

These clubs offer a place to:

share concerns
find support
improve skills
get help finding job opportunities.
(read the full story on Reuters)

Many of these groups have tripled in size just over the last six months, and new clubs are popping up everywhere to keep up with rising unemployment. Since last year, 3.6 million jobs have disappeared. Almost 600,000 people lost their job in January, raising the unemployment rate to 7.6 percent.

The good news is that a wide range of job opportunities are expected to open up across the nation. Read our previous posts about jobs and the recently passed stimulus bill here and here.

Until the economy gets moving again, job clubs can help you stay focused and calm while you navigate the world of employment. Our sister site, The Beehive, provides information about finding and excelling in a career. You can also find local job clubs near you, here.