Finding a Job, Holding On, and Planning For the Future

There are few things as discouraging as not having a job. It not only attacks the underpinnings of our economic security and peace of mind, but it can have effects on our level of self-esteem too. The current economy has put many hard working, dedicated and long term employees in some very trying circumstances. It has also made decision time a lot harder for upcoming college graduates. This article makes suggestions for different types of current and future workers, so some might be realistic for you to try, while other suggestions are clearly going to be better for others.

1. This May Be An Opportunity
It's been said that sometimes our greatest opportunities come wrapped up inside our most difficult problems. It is obviously very traumatic finding yourself unemployed, but there are some things in life we just can't control. The sooner you can face that, the faster you will be able to re-focus and the quicker you will get to where your future lies. It can make it a lot harder if you really liked your job and are going to miss it, but if you didn't like it, you still may have just stuck with it, thinking you had no other choice, or that there was too much risk in leaving it. Now you have a real chance to try to find something that may be far more satisfying to you.

As a result of the recession, there are going to be hundreds of millions of dollars spent on rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure of roads and bridges. Do you think that would have happened if we hadn't had a recession? When those projects are completed, our roads and bridges will be safer and we'll owe it to the recession. Losing your job might produce a similar silver lining in the long run for you and your family. Move forward in faith doing your best and it may happen for you. President Obama is setting a good model for us to follow, not sure of exactly what's going to work, but working at it and not quitting, until the desired result is achieved.

2. You Only Need One Job
No matter how high the unemployment rate gets, remember you only need one job. Don't let the statistics get you down. Just keep your eye on the ball. If there are two wage earners in a household, try to find work at different places. A number of workers faced more rapidly deteriorating financial conditions when they both worked at the same place and both loss their incomes and benefits at the same time. It's not a good position to put yourself in.

3.Stop The Bleeding - Cut Your Expenses To The Bone
You don't know how long you will have to tread water. Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best and stay busy working toward that goal. It's scary not having enough to pay your bills, including your mortgage or rent and car payments, and wondering how you are going to take care of others who are depending on you. The first thing is to slow the bleeding of expenses as best you can by finding any type of work that will bring money in, but that is also flexible enough so if you find something better, you can leave that job easily: jobs such as cleaning houses, cutting lawns, babysitting, selling telephone/cable contract packages, etc. Some money coming in from some kind of work, combined with unemployment compensation and living as frugally as possible can help keep you afloat. Here are some other thoughts:

- Shop differently at the food store. Get extra of whatever is on sale and use coupons to buy it. (Start a coupon exchange where you exchange coupons with other coupon collectors.) Look on the internet, as well as in newspapers and magazines for coupon offers. The goal is to always be eating what you bought on sale without having to pay full price for anything you eat. As you build up your stock, you'll be able to do this more and more.

- If you have a stock of things in the pantry, or frozen food that you've been keeping, now's the time to live off the fat of the land for a while. Food banks are also a possibility, but they have been hard hit by the crisis too. Try to minimize store trips. The more trips you make, the more you're likely to spend. Shop after you've already eaten. Shoppers buy more when they are hungry.

- Don't put anything on charge cards unless there is a desperate need to do so. You don't need interest on top of already existing debt. If you are in a bind with credit card debt, get credit counseling from your county or state government to help restructure and reduce your debt load. Be very wary of any offers that say they can eliminate your debt, particularly things you see on the internet.

- Make do with what you have. Keep the old New England proverb of thrift in mind: "Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without". If you have to buy something, try used clothing or thrift stores, particularly those in or near good neighborhoods. I bought a used suit at one about five years ago for $15. It was a name brand suit that I had altered for about $20. I still wear it and it still looks good (I think). Other stores have similar bargains. You just have to be willing to do some hunting.

- Put the kids to work. If you have children who are old enough to work, explain the situation to them, and tell them you need them to help. When times are difficult, everyone should pitch it. It can also help teach children realistic facts of life that will encourage them to continue their education until they get their four year degree or better, or obtain training in a field that is in demand. (It's the most important thing I tell my college students each semester.) Younger children who can't work outside the home, can still help in it by folding clothes, making their beds, straightening up and the like. You need to delegate to keep the house looking good, while you focus your efforts on high order priorities.

- Cut your cell phone bill. Some carriers with basic service are as low as $20 a month. Switch to basic cable and drop the other cable upgrades to save too.

- See if you can make it with one car or take public transportation. In some states, it can mean a substantial savings in auto insurance.

- Pack your lunch. $5 a day for lunch, plus morning coffee, amounts to about $150 a month.

- Stop smoking: Your health will improve, and your car and your home will smell better. It will also eliminate second hand smoke that affects others. If a household smokes two packs a day at $6 a pack, that $12 a day x 365 days in a year for a total of $4380. That could come in mighty handy for someone who has lost his/her job. You'll have a better chance of living long enough to see the light on the other side of the mountain too because you will probably increase your life expectancy also if you quit.

- Free College Tuition: Paying college tuition for your college students can be very untimely if it is hitting you when you're facing an economic downturn in your household. One thing to try is to make your work perform double duty. Many colleges offer free tuition to dependents of employees, so if you have secretarial skills or have the necessary license to be a boiler operator at a college for example, you get paid to work and your children go to school tuition free. Just check first to make sure that is one of the benefits offered at the college you're looking into. You and your spouse may also take courses there too and that can lead to an inexpensive way to partially finance training and education to make a career change.

- Consider selling your home, if you can, and move to an apartment or move in with relatives or friends so you can share expenses. It doesn't have to be for life. You're just trying to get over a rough spot.

- Renting your home is also an option, but renting has problems of its own that you might not need to deal with on top of what you are already facing. If you do decide to rent, be scrupulously careful whom you rent to. Get a credit check, as much of a security deposit as you can by law, and references --- and not just from a prospective tenant's current landlord. They might give their tenants a good reference just so they can get rid of them, so always try to get references from current and former landlords.

4. Finding Work
- The Internet: Check Monster.com, state employment services, private employment services and other internet job sites. Don't just search your geographic area. Search under job title or category too and see where other openings might be in your field. You may have to move to stabilize yourself again. In any case, it gives you a better view of the employment landscape in the region and throughout the country.

- Network: Let people know about your situation and your need to find employment. Give others an opportunity to help you. If you are a member of a church congregation, let them know, as well as family, friends, and acquaintances. Anyone in sales can tell you that sometime a lead comes from the most unexpected places. E-mail to your e-mail list too no matter where the recipient is located.

We can't always get help, but we can always give it, no matter how challenging our own situation might be. In the process of looking for work for yourself, you might discover information that can help someone else you know. We always still have "the power", no matter how bad things might be for us. We just have to let ourselves use it. In doing so, we raise our own self-esteem, knowing we have done something good. That confidence boost can make a difference in our own efforts.

- Career and Job Fairs: These are held at colleges and at large venues advertised in major Sunday newspaper employment sections. There are also fairs for those in certain specialties, such as health care or computers.

There are also job fairs for minority hiring. If you are a minority person, recognize that companies have these fairs because they are looking to provide an appropriate minority representation in their work force. That can work to your advantage if your qualifications are otherwise good.

You might also determine if you would qualify for "minority status". The law provides specific definitions. It does not necessarily mean that someone has to be a minority only in the publicly viewed, traditional sense. Someone may be enough of a minority to qualify under the definition. There is nothing bogus about this. If the law says that someone qualifies as a minority because of their background, then they are one. An attorney, legal services or a human resources professional can provide advice to you in this area.

- Volunteer: If you can't find a job that pays, look for a place to volunteer where they might be likely to have a paying opening in the near future. The same with part-time work. Get your foot in the door, show them how good of worker you are and build up a group of people who will speak well of the quality of your work, your conscientiousness and punctuality. You can back into a job this way. Don't think the way everyone else thinks. 1000 people don't always have to go rushing trying to get one of 35 available jobs, as was the case recently with firefighting jobs in Miami. Think differently and try some different strategies.

- Try to get on the substitute teacher list for area school districts. (In my state, it requires a minimum of sixty college credits.) Once you get approved, when you're called by the coordinator in the morning, you want to always do a "reverse Nancy Reagan" - just say yes! The more you keep saying yes, the more you're going to get called. If you were a coordinator, calling all around at 6AM in the morning to find a substitute teacher, aren't you going to call the person who always says yes first and make your life easier? This can give you inroads and insights into a school district that could lead to a job as a teacher, teacher's aide or other position later. You are never in a better position than you are being on the inside of an organization to hear what is coming up or to see job postings internally.

- Support Groups: Churches and other organizations run support groups for unemployed workers. This can not only provide useful counseling advice, but can generate information from other participants that can benefit you.

- Outplacement Services: If your company provides services to help find a new job, that's something to take advantage of too. Use the knowledge of experienced professionals who have seen situations like yours many times before.

5. Assess Your Situation and Act Accordingly
Is there a chance you might get called backed to your company? Will you be able to find work in the same industry in your area or elsewhere? Are other suitable jobs available in your area? If you think that there is hope on any of these fronts, you may be better trying to stay where you are. Most people have family and friends in their area and they comprise an important support network in times of stress. They can also serve as a network of contacts that can lead you to another job. You don't have that working for you if you move to a new area where you have to make an adjustment, not knowing anyone on top of it. But if things look grim where you are, you need to consider some other choices:

- Have the major breadwinner move and keep the family in place. This way, the rest of the family can retain some degree of normality, the children can stay in the same schools and there isn't any culture or geographic shock caused by moving to another area, to say nothing of the hassle of moving. Perhaps driving 3-4 hours may produce some better opportunities or even commuting back and forth on weekends from greater distances. It's obviously not ideal, but as things improve in your home area, you can keep looking for something closer. If the new more distant job turns out to be a winner, you can move in an organized manner later to something better.

- Relocate: To take advantage of more distant opportunities, go where the work is. Naturally, this may involve uprooting others and having children attend new schools, but sometimes things are so bad in an area, and so many workers are out of work, moving can help stabilize you sooner with a regular income, rather than trying to stay and hang on where you are. You never know, it may even turn out to be a lot better in many ways, particularly if you move to an area that's not as expensive.

Try to make a positive adventure out of it. Ask yourself where you'd like to go if you could, then investigate opportunities there. My daughter and son-in-law, who are about forty, spent all their lives in Southern New Jersey, near Philadelphia. They had talked for a while about the rising rents and traffic and were thinking about moving - none of which I was aware of. One day my daughter called and said she had something to tell me. She said, "Dad, we're going to move to Montana." That's a long way from New Jersey, but she said they had talked about it and felt good about going. If it was going to be good for them, I was all for it. They're out there now and are very happy with their move and living a more inexpensive lifestyle too. Is there any place you've thought about moving to? Maybe now is the time. Do some investigation, check out the job market, make some phone calls, make an exploratory trip and see what happens. If you are a member of a church denomination that has a church in the prospective area, check through them too to try to get the lay of the land.

6. Make A Smart Move and Re-Train If You Have To
Your goal should be to find a job in a field you will enjoy, with decent pay and benefits, and one that is not readily outsourceable. You don't want to get a job, then lose it because it got exported. Any work that can be done more cheaply outside the US, or that can be digitized, should be viewed with caution. You don't want to have to go through being unemployed again. Naturally if you need a job now, take it, but keep your eye out for something more secure, with better long term prospects.

If you are in an industry that doesn't show much promise for the future, make sure your next move is to a field that offers more long term security. I've listed a number of career fields below that, at this time, show promise for the future. All of these aren't going to be suitable for everyone. Some may be more of an option for college students. While these fields show promise on a national level, check locally to see what the demand is in your own area. There can be regional variations.

- Registered Nurse: This is not just an occupation for women. More men are going into nursing and there is likely to be a continuing need for nurses in the future. It is also a portable skill. Registered nurses can find work in just about any state. Getting into a nursing program may not be easy, but investigate area nursing schools associated with hospitals and community colleges. It might not take as long as you think either. Many nursing programs are two year programs, but a university hospital in Philadelphia just announced a program where the holder of a bachelor's degree could quality to become a nurse through an 11 month program. Check for similar offerings in your area.

If you are a non traditional sex as an applicant, or for a position, it may work to your advantage, so think broadly. It might help. Nursing programs might want to have more male admissions. Engineering and technical programs might be seeking more females.

- Health Care Occupations - There's going to be continuing demand for many health care occupations. See what's in demand in your area. Check with your local hospitals and health care professionals to get ideas for what health care fields need people.

- Pharmacist: A very solid occupation in demand that pays well. To gain more insight, train as a pharmacy tech.

- Elementary and High School Teaching: Look toward areas in demand such as special education, mathematics and the sciences. Areas like English and history may be something you might enjoy more, but the competition for such jobs is fierce. Find out what school districts need. Colleges can tell you what you need to do to get certified to teach.

- Librarian: Professional librarians are not "book shelvers". That's done by student workers, volunteers or other library employees. Librarians today are information specialists. If you have computer skills, that can also be a plus. For the longer term, it's beneficial not to just get a Bachelor's degree in Library Science, but an MLS (Master of Library Science) too.

- Paralegal: Paralegals are in between a legal secretary and an attorney. They can perform functions attorneys perform, such as interviewing clients and preparing documents, but can't represent clients in court as an attorney can. Community colleges have paralegal programs that can be completed in a reasonable time. There will, in my opinion, be a continuing need for paralegals in the future. Law firms have cut down on the number of attorney hires. Some firms find it more economical to hire paralegals to perform certain functions, instead of paying an attorney. When businesses can save money, they are usually going to do it. While it is not essential to do so, attending a program with American Bar Association (ABA) approval is a plus. Ask an attorneys in your area for advice about it.

- Dental Hygienist: The hours are flexible and the pay is good. Don't forget to brush and floss too. (They made me say it.)

- Computers and Information Technology, Computer Maintenance: Seek the guidance of college professors, and from those working in the field, to advise you which areas to enter and which areas to stay away from. Some computer work is being outsourced and you don't want to get into those areas.

- Accounting: The long term goal would be to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

- Laser Technology and Other High Tech Occupations: Community colleges can be a good source of information. Their programs are also usually far cheaper than those of private technical schools. Don't take on some huge loan if you don't have to.

- Federal and State Government: Jobs can get cut here too, but government jobs often have civil service protection and if you are a veteran, you get a veteran's preference on tests for positions. Lists of such positions are readily available through your state, local libraries and the internet. The CIA is advertising for good candidates, particularly if you are knowledgeable in languages in need, such as Arabic. The FBI traditionally has a need for attorneys and accountants.

If you can speak a foreign language, it can be a great assist in finding a job. It helps separate you from the rest of the pack. Just determine what employers would be most likely to be able to use your language skill. If you speak French or Italian for example, contact companies from those countries doing business in the US. Spanish is a big plus with many companies. Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in the country. Companies need to be able to communicate effectively with this growing customer base.

- Military Service: The military makes cuts too, but they are also recruiting hard.

Keep your eye on internet news on AOL, Yahoo and other websites, and in magazines, for lists of hot jobs, as they can change from time to time and from region to region.

7. Career Areas To Avoid
This is purely my take on this, but I would avoid areas such as:
- Banking: (Continued consolidation eliminates jobs and the financial condition of a number of banks is not great. Additionally, banks don't pay particularly well.)

- Any Lower Level Manufacturing: High tech manufactuing may be fine, but anything at a lower level is consistently threatened by having the work done in countries with cheaper labor.

- Auto Industry: The comeback road will be difficult enough for those already formerly involved with the industry. The key for us is to make more cars with China and India here, putting our workers to work making them. We can compete on quality, but price is something else.

- Outsourceable Work: Any work that can be outsourced to other countries to be done more cheaply, including work that can be digitized. That's why jobs that require physical presence such as nursing, health care occupations and teaching are doubly good.

- Discretionary Spending Occupations: In times of economic trouble, spending for certain things comes to a halt quickly, such as for furniture, recreational vehicles and travel and leisure industries. While they can do well in a good economy, in a downturn they can be one of the first to be hit and to shed jobs.

8. Massive Re-Training and Re-Education
The need for this should have been foreseen and acted upon long ago. Was there anyone in Michigan, Delaware and many other auto states who couldn't see that the auto industry was headed for trouble, even before the recession set in and took matters from bad to worse. I see no realistic way that many of the laid off auto workers will be able to work for their company again, or even in the industry.

The best solution is to re-train for something that is going to be here for the future in terms of service jobs, high tech jobs and others. Re-training is difficult, particularly after many workers have spent decades in another industry, but doing it is going to prepare for a more secure employment future.

The federal government and colleges should have taken a far greater lead toward re-training a decade ago. It could have helped in minimizing today's current crisis. The sooner there is a recognition that it has to be done, and that action is taken to make it happen by the federal and state government, colleges and workers, the sooner the economy is going to recover. Determine where the future is and start re-training for it now.

9. Other Thoughts
- Do Work That Leads To Something Else: Working at a gas station may bring in some income, but it is not going to lead to anything. Working at Wal-Mart or UPS however might lead to an Assistant Manager position, on up. (I would only work in retailing if you think it could lead to something better in the company that pays better than most retailing jobs do. Retailing at lower levels offers notoriously poor pay.)

- Consider Getting A Real Real Estate License - This is an option for someone who does not have a desperate need for current income, but has the time to try to prepare for a future opportunity. This is not likely to be an immediate source of income. The market is slow, or dead, in many areas. It will come back eventually and when it does, you will have gained experience and be ready to handle an onslaught of buyers and sellers. This is not going to happen any time soon, but when it does you want to be licensed and ready to go, not sitting in a crowded real estate school wishing you had a license. Getting a real estate license should not interfere with getting a college degree however, or with working at something more financially lucrative now.

-Ask people for advice. It's not all going to be good, but you will probably make better decisions when cooler heads can give you some input to assist your thinking. Some networking like this can also lead to a job. Some of the people you want to ask for advice are those who are in a position to hire you or to recommend you to others.

- Borrow Money: I put this at the bottom of the list because it's something most people don't want to do, but if you really need money, borrow it from someone who will lend it to you. For anyone reading this who can do the lending, your ability to be there when someone really needs a hand up can make all the difference to a family or an individual trying to get over a rough spot.

10. Maybe You Can Help
President Obama correctly noted in his first prime time news conference that our economic problems are so great, that only government is large enough to make a substantial impact on them. But what has not been said is that there are many people who are not really affected that much by this downturn, who still have resources, a home, purchasing power and money in the bank and in other investments. Such people are also powerful resources to help the nation at this time by helping a neighbor or family member with a loan or by purchasing something now that they were planning to buy soon anyway like a new car, a home addition, vacation, new furniture, television or another appliance. If someone can't find a good deal now, they'll never find one. If those who have resources used them to give a little bump to the economy, it could help people keep working and others from being laid off.

Remember, you are never alone in your struggles. If you believe in prayer, it can help in difficult times like this. Prayer is not necessarily the solution to our economic problems, but something that can help give us the strength to get through tough times. Whether you have religious belief or not, if you need support, speak to trusted family members, friends and professionals who can help give you the support you need to make it through. Nothing lasts forever in life. That's a given.

If what you've tried so far isn't working, you need to try something else. If you keep doing the same things, you'll keep getting the same result. Talk with others and read to get inspiration. Basic self-help reading is important too to keep your self-confidence and attitude pointed in a positive direction.

Don't stay home either. Get out of the house and meet as many people as you can. You may have "chance meetings" with people who can be a help to you. That can't happen if you're inside all the time. Just keep moving forward step by step, trying to make yourself better today than you were yesterday and the future can start to look bright again.

Larry Danks is the author of Finding The Right Man For You: Dating Advice For Women. The Table of Contents and further information is available on: [http://www.FindingTheRightManForYou.com] The book is available through Amazon.com and all leading booksellers.

Finding Warmth in the Bin and the Branches

Getting lost in a closed Swiss national park without food, water, proper clothing or a cellphone is an expensive way to get some perspective on life.

It's impossible to think you are someone special when you live in the Swiss Alps. Up above the cloud line, surrounded by huge jagged peaks that seem to move with the seasons, you are no one. The Alps don't care about your family or your job. They don't care if you are rich or thin or unhappy. These mountains have been around a lot longer than you have and they will still be standing here long after you and everyone else you know are long gone. That is just the way it is. Humility is one trait you acquire quickly in the Alps.

Several years ago I left Canada to move to Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. I wanted a change, and the Alps were as far as I could get from downtown Montreal while still being able to watch my soaps en français. I sent a few emails to some businesses in the area, and soon enough I received a job offer to help produce promotional materials for a boarding school; I also became a European correspondent for some North American magazines. With that, I packed six duffel bags and moved to the small alpine town of Villars, a place where if you walk more than one kilometre, you have to head either very up or very down, depending on the route you choose.

Villars has only one main street and it is roughly a half city block in size. There are no stop lights or fast-food outlets. No Starbucks or movie theatres. There is a skating rink, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and good food, but mostly there is great skiing and, in my case, excellent cycling. Overhead, there are many different kinds of helicopters that cover the region. Some are checking on road conditions; others are looking for casualties. It's the red ones you don't want to see, because in a small village like this one, if you see red, it is likely there for someone you know. When I was filling out the forms for my new Swiss job, the HR woman desperately tried to sell me helicopter insurance for $25. I explained to her that I am a non-skier, non-boarder, non-everything cold and snowy. I told her I would never be on the slopes and that I tend not to wander around in the snow because it is freezing, and as such would never require the emergency services of anything that flies. I am a cyclist. If anything, I would need the local doctor. And he would be able to run and rescue me because I cannot travel far on a bike in the winter. Unfortunately, only some of that turned out to be true.

One afternoon in late April, I rang a friend of mine in Geneva to complain about my jet lag. I had just returned from Montreal and couldn't keep my eyes open, and yet I couldn't go to sleep because then I would be up all night. My friend knew the cycling tracks in the area and suggested I head out for an easy road route. When I would returned, he said, it would be late and I would be tired - the perfect solution to jet lag. I agreed and headed out on my mountain bike as I had just about every day since I'd arrived years earlier.

It was 4:30 p.m. on April 30. The snow had mostly melted in town and was on its way out at higher elevations. It used to hang around much longer, but these days the snow melts quickly even at 1,400 metres above sea level, and some years it hardly arrives at all. I started climbing a familiar road about five kilometres from my house. It was a harder route than the one my friend had recommended, but I figured since I was out to get tired, I might as well really go for it. About halfway up, I saw a small yellow road sign that said "Col de la Croix" and pointed down a wooded path. I'd never noticed it before and wondered how it would be possible to get from here to there via that route, but it seemed interesting and as yet unexplored, so I turned in.

I skirted around a wooden gate that said "fermer" and off I went into a closed area. At this point it is important to note that because I intended to go on an easy road ride, I brought absolutely nothing with me. I had no water, no food, no cellphone, no lighter or matches, no map, no warm clothing, no flashlight, and worse, if that were possible, no one knew where I was because I had changed routes at the last minute. What I did have was a 50 Swiss franc note, because my mother taught me to never leave the house without money.

The path was wide and descended very slightly into the forest. I would cycle for about 50 metres and then dismount and carry the bike through short patches of snow. Then I would ride for another 50 metres and dismount again. This went on for about an hour. The snow was sticky, the kind you had to yank your feet out of with each step. I was in running shoes, and sometimes my foot came up without my shoe. I would laugh and stick it back on, not realizing that between walking in the sticky snow and the backsplash of my bike, I was becoming very wet and it was becoming very dark and very cold.

Entering the closed area can only be described as a colossal error in judgment, as I forgot how quickly day turns into night up here. Even though the sun goes down around 8:30 p.m. in late April, it actually gets dark much earlier because the setting sun dips behind the mountains. Ninety minutes after starting my jet-lagged ride, I was lost, in the dark, in a closed national park. The month of April is after the ski season has ended and well before the walking season begins, so no one would enter this area until June at the earliest. If I didn't find my way out, I would become "Dead Girl Found in the Woods," and that is not a headline I wanted my friends and family to read. I needed a plan and fast.

I did not have the energy to trace my footsteps back to the road. Nor did I realize how much carrying the bike through the snow had taken out of me. I was exhausted. Once it dawned on me that I couldn't turn back and didn't know the way forward, I knew I was in trouble. I threw the bike off to the side and started thinking about shelter. In the mountains, chalet owners often let the snow cover their homes in the wintertime because it serves as insulation.

There were a few of these covered homes in the area, so I approached the nearest one. The windows and doors were boarded up. I tried desperately to pull out the wooden planks, using my legs against the side of the house for balance, but I just did not have the strength. I tried to break into the next chalet and then the next one, but doing so was making me very tired and the effort was taking me farther into the woods. I abandoned that idea and started walking up a slope. I figured if I were to pass out or pass away, I would be found more easily higher up than among the trees. As I walked, I would shout "Help!" from time to time, but the nearest person to me was many kilometres away. I knew that, but shouting was more instinctual than rational. I continued to call out at regular intervals until even that became too tiring.

It was totally dark when I came across a small, partly covered shelter. Ironically, there was a topographical map hanging overhead, but it was too dark for me to read it, and besides, I had no idea where I was. The shelter had a garbage bin and a thin rail that was not big enough to sit on, but was wide enough to lean on and keep me off the frozen ground. I was sopping wet and started to shake. I took garbage out of the bin and shoved it in between my body and my clothes to keep the wet off my skin. I then grabbed pine branches and draped them over me as protection from the wind and the snow, if it were going to fall. I really needed warmth, and those were the only places I could find it: the bin and the branches.

I spent the night propped up against the skinny wooden bar covered in pine. I knew if I fell asleep, there would be a chance I would never wake up. I moved my limbs to keep my circulation going and tried my best to cover my exposed areas to keep from freezing. I leaned on that bar for what seemed like days, thinking about that terrible Dead Girl phone call to my family. What an absolute idiot I was, heading into a closed area on my own, with absolutely nothing on my back. If I'd had a five-cent pack of matches or a lighter, this near-death experience would have been an evening by the campfire. There was plenty of wood available and I would have been warm and safe. Still stupid, mind you, but not frozen or in danger.

After a long night of staring into the darkness, I finally saw the sun coming up around 6 a.m. It was May 1. I was alive but still lost. I studied the shelter map, which showed the elevation of where I was but not how the hell to get out of there. I again opted to walk up instead of down, and it was high on the slope that I realized where I was. In the summer, you can eat at a typically Swiss restaurant in the tiny village of Taveyanne. I was there, standing outside a restaurant covered over with snow like the chalets below, and on the very top of its roof was a bright yellow metal box with the word "SOS" written across it.

Well, this was an SOS situation if ever there was one. I climbed onto the restaurant and then onto its roof. I flung open the yellow box and in it was a phone with only one digit: the number "1." I reached over and dialled 111. After a few rings, a voice said: "Allô, police de Lausanne." I honestly did not know what to say. After a few seconds, I told the policeman I was on the roof of the Taveyanne restaurant, that I had spent the night in the woods, that I was cold and thirsty and that I really wanted to get home. He told me to stay right there and that help was on its way.

I sat on the top of the restaurant and stared into the valley below. It was the most magnificent day I had ever seen. It was clear and crisp, with a bright blue hue you only see at this height. The sun was extraordinarily hot, even very early on a newly spring morning, and I sat there, legs dangling over the side of the roof, slowly defrosting. At one point, I reached over the edge and pulled some old clothes (used for insulation) out of the restaurant's vents, and put those on while I waited.

On my ride into the area the day before, I had seen snowmobiles parked along the path. They're used in the winter to rescue skiers who break their legs, and I figured the Lausanne police would wake the Villars police and up the mountain they would come on the Ski-Doos. Instead, I heard a deep thump somewhere in the distance. When I was a kid, lightning struck a metal fence right near me. This thump felt like that thump. It was a full-body experience. The problem was that I couldn't actually see anything. I looked everywhere and there was nothing. Suddenly, rising from the valley below came the dreaded red helicopter. It swooped right up, vertically, almost in my face, and landed a few metres from the restaurant. A man raced towards me, his medical kit swinging with urgency by his side. He said words to me that I only understood years later. He looked at me, sitting on the snowy roof of a long-buried restaurant, wearing insulation clothes and covered in pine needles and garbage, and said: "Was it you who called?"

Was it me who called? I started to laugh. There we were on the top of a mountain soon after sunrise on May 1, with nothing in between us and France, and he asks if it was me who called. I said "Yes," not wanting to be rude and say "Duh!" and we made our way to the red helicopter. He took my temperature and my blood pressure and up we went. Seventeen seconds later, I looked down and saw the Villars policeman making his way up the mountain in a 4x4. I told the medics to put me down. I would go with the policeman. We landed in the same spot we took off from and waited for the policeman to arrive. I then got into his car and he drove me home.

After a hot bath, I took a very long nap. My friend was right: cycling definitely put an end to my jet lag. When I walked out of my house later that morning, my bicycle was leaning against my garage door. I guess the policeman found it for me. And after repeating the tale 1,000 times to each person who asked, which was just about everyone in Villars, I received a bill from the helicopter company for my 17-second ride.

I will leave it to your imagination as to how much it cost to call out a red Swiss helicopter on a sunny May 1 morning, but I will give you one hint: I could have bought chopper insurance for several NHL teams and it still had money left over for a trip to Disney World. It was the price for stupidity, and I intend on paying it only once.

AVA CHISLING: As a content provider and a lawyer (as of 2007), I have more than 20 years experience working with local, national and international companies, including Borden Ladner Gervais, The Canadian Bar Association, Quebecor, J. Walter Thompson, CJAD Radio, CBC-TV, Montreal Mirror, enRoute Magazine, Just for Laughs Festival, Spafax Publishing, Time Out Magazine, among others. I have vast experience in television, film, radio, advertising, print, internet content, and most other forms of media. I am an award-winning editor from Montreal who also happens to practice media law: http://www.avachisling.com.

The Power of Publicity - Finding Your Media Niche

Whether you are the owner, manager, or public relations director of a company, chances are, you're always looking for ways to get your name in the public eye. While advertising is a great start, enhancing your advertising with publicity creates a perfect marriage of exposure for your company. What is publicity? It's non-paid communication to promote your company in a positive light using media vehicles like television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. Through publicity you build mutually beneficial relationships between your business and the public on whom your success or failure depends.

When it comes to publicity, most people believe they can write a press release, send it to a TV station, radio station or newspaper and just wait for the avalanche of phone calls. But time goes by... and after they realize there aren't any reporters beating down their door, they make a few phone calls to the newsroom only to discover that no one even read the press release. All of that time and work goes down the drain. You're back to square one and you start over, but to no avail. So how do you end the vicious cycle of disappointment?

Research can make or break your pitch

Research. Plain and simple, you need to know your audience and know your media market. And research is the key to both.. So first and foremost you need to take a look at your message and ask yourself a few questions--is it newsworthy? Is it consumer-related? Does it have a local twist? Is it a visual story? What demographic am I targeting--how old is my audience and what is their target household income? The answers to these questions will help you craft your 'pitch' and determine which media outlets you should target.

While most people go for the saturation effect, seeking radio, television and print media simultaneously, the reality is that your message might not be a good fit for all media. So that brings us back to the research table. Now it's time to do a little homework and figure out where your message stands the best chance of garnering media attention.

How do I get on TV?

TV newscasts communicate to their audience through pictures and conversation. Producers look for newsworthy topics that are visual and entertaining or informative 'how-to' segments. They want compelling conversation and pictures that will grab the viewers' attention. They don't want a 'talking head' rattling off statistics or blatantly plugging a new book.

Worried that your message isn't visual? Try this- ask yourself how you'd explain your message to a child? Did that help you think of any pictures or simple words that fit your message? Those pictures or simple words can translate into graphics for a TV story. We once had a life insurance agency that wanted us to arrange local and national TV appearances for their CEO. The pitch we created offered interviews discussing the importance of life insurance and why it's vital for women to protect themselves for the future. Sounds like you could sleep right through it, right? But we offered more than just the interview. We had the client prepare graphs and bullet points with short information snippets showing the mortality rate of women versus men. The TV stations turned them into graphics and voila-- it became a very powerful visual story that was successful for our client and the media.

Keep in mind too, that the morning, noon and evening newscasts are each geared towards a different audience. The early morning shows are usually watched by working adults and families getting ready for school. Notice how the news formats shift into more of a talk and lifestyle segment that's sprinkled with news 'updates' after 8AM when most commuters have already left for work?

Saying Your Piece on Talk Radio

Radio talk shows engage their audience through words rather than photographs. Most radio stations are turning to local angles for interviews. So it's important to figure out if your message has a local tie-in or is important to your community.

Because radio doesn't require visual props or photos, it's a great fit for just about any message, so long as you can discuss your topic for a good 30 minutes. Because what you're really doing is having a conversation with the listeners, you need to be well-versed in your topic and able to handle plenty of questions. Your message should be topical too; something people want to talk about at the office water cooler or over coffee.

Radio talk shows, which are found mostly on the AM dial, also vary from morning to night. Morning shows have shorter interviews during this "drive time" to work. Talk show hosts don't have time for a 30 minute interview because morning shows are jam-packed with news, weather and traffic updates.

Midday shows were once known to target women, but that's changed because so many people listen to the radio at work. Now, you'll find many business shows air during typical daytime work hours. After work, you'll find the second "drive time" of the day. Unlike in the morning, listeners are more relaxed. They're on the way home from a long day at work and there's more time to air a 30 minute interview.

During the evening, it's a mixed audience of people listening from home. And don't discount the reach of overnight interviews--while you may think no one is listening, think again! Overnight talk shows (from midnight to 5 a.m.) are very important due to overnight jobs that bring in listeners - 2nd and 3rd shift factory workers, public service employees and many other industries that operate all night long.

Getting Yourself in Print

Print publicity includes magazines and newspapers. While they are two different vehicles, their requirements are similar to television. Your pitch needs to be newsworthy, entertaining, informative, and in some cases, even visual. Newspapers work on tight deadlines, so make sure you don't wait a week after a hot story is released to offer your expertise or an interview on the topic. Magazines, on the other hand, often have a 30 to 60 day lead time. Research the publication you want to contact and make sure they have a reporter who covers your topic or message. It's also helpful to offer quality visuals. For example, restaurants offering a recipe, a gym offering tips to a tighter tummy, even the latest trends in jewelry, can all be accompanied by photographs to support the story.

I've Narrowed the Search, Now What?

Once you know the types of media you want to target, how do you know which TV stations, radio stations, or print publications are in your area? You can always subscribe to some sort of media list, but why would you do this when the internet is full of free media information? Some websites you may find helpful are www.radiolocator.com, www.usnpl.com, www.newspapers24.com , www.mondotimes.com and www.newslink.org. You can also use a basic search engine and search for your city + media, for example type in "Tampa Media." You'll find a whole list of media outlets at your fingertips.

Now that you've found a list of media contacts, you're well on your way to creating a Power Publicity campaign to drive business to your company. Now that you understand why it's so important to find your media niche, next up in our series, we'll focus on creating a powerful message. To be successful at publicity, you must create your message specifically for your target audience and then find the best media vehicle to drive your message home. That's why pushing those standard press releases didn't work for you in the first place.

About Marsha Friedman:

Marsha Friedman is the CEO of EMSIncorporated, (EMSI) a leading publicity firm that has represented many well known clients such as Motown's Temptations, Teamsters Union President Jim Hoffa, Jr., National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane, Bristol Myers Squibb, Financial TV personality, Jim Rogers and Dr. Barry Sears.

About EMSIncorporated:

EMSI is a nationally-recognized publicity firm specializing in arranging interviews on radio shows around the country, appearances on local and national TV and obtaining editorial coverage in newspapers and magazines.

Written by Marsha Friedman, President, http://www.EMSIncorporated.com For more information contact Steve Friedman at 727-443-7115 ext. 202.

Finding Budget Car Insurance

No one enjoys shopping for car insurance. Unfortunately nearly every state in America requires all legal drivers to have an active and updated car insurance policy in order to drive. If you get pulled over, in addition to your license and registration, the police officer will also ask for proof of valid insurance. If you cannot produce an insurance card that can be verified, you will get hit with an additional fine on top of whatever they pulled you over for, so make sure you are insured and that you are carrying your insurance card.

When it comes to shopping for auto insurance, though, many people do not realize that all policies are essentially the same. There is the amount of coverage (in dollars) and the type of coverage (collision, etc), but beyond that, all other things being equal, once auto insurance policy is the same as the next one. Thus, most of the time a driver is best served shopping for car insurance entirely on price. It also pays to be a safe driver, as your lower risk pool will allow you to get bigger discounts on your policy.

For those shopping on a budget, as these days most of us are, the best way to go about finding the right car insurance policy is to get multiple auto insurance quotes from reputable national providers. This should not be difficult, as there has been major consolidation in the insurance industry over the last few decades - it is difficult to find a local insurance agent these days that is not affiliated with a major national brand. Despite the consolidation, though, there is still competition for customers between these auto insurance companies, and they will try and find the best package of discounts for you to make sure they can get and keep your business. Affordable car insurance is not a myth, if you do diligent research you will be able to find a policy that both covers your state requirements for legal driving and costs you less than you thought. The company wants to create a long term relationship with you, and will do what it takes to keep your business.

Jackie Price helps people find car insurance, specifically budget car insurance.

Finding a National Flood Insurance Agent

America is a great place to live. Like all other countries, America does have its have share of problems. One of those problems is the weather. At just about any point in time the weather could turn from wonderful to dangerous. One of the most dangerous events that occur because of the weather is flooding.

Flooding occurs for a wide variety of different reasons. Even though flooding can occur due to a number of factors, too much rain is the most common cause of flooding. A large of number of homes are damaged each year due to flooding caused by too much rain. Many homeowners can be considered lucky because they have flood insurance. Flood insurance helps to assist a homeowner in the cost of rebuilding or repairing their home. If you do not have flood insurance coverage then you may be putting your home and your wallet at risk.

When it comes to obtaining flood insurance you will have to find a company that offers it. These companies are most commonly known as providers or agents. Flood insurance agents can service the whole nation or a specific area. Many individuals looking to purchase flood insurance coverage often wonder whether they should select a national flood insurance provider or a local provider.

It is important to note that when it comes to purchasing flood insurance you have the final say. With that said, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both a local insurance agent and a national flood insurance agent. Many individuals prefer to work with a well-known agent. Many of the most well-known agents are those that work on a national level. Working with a local agent offers comfort to many individuals, but localized agent may not always be your best bet.

A national flood insurance agent or provider is one that offer coverage to Americans, no matter where they live. National flood insurance providers are often small or large organizations that offer quality flood insurance to all Americans. If you are looking for a well-known national flood insurance provider, you should examine the coverage offered by AmeriFlood.

Searching for a national flood insurance agent could produce a large number of results. Many individuals get overwhelmed and do not know where to start. That is why it may be a good idea to learn about the flood insurance coverage offered by AmeriFlood. Their flood insurance coverage is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The difference between AmeriFlood and other flood insurance agents is the cost of insurance. AmeriFlood offers a 12% discount to homeowners looking to purchase flood insurance.

Whether you purchase flood insurance from a local agent, AmeriFlood, or another national flood insurance provider you should be at ease. Almost all flood insurance providers offer coverage plans that are supported or monitored by the government. This means that you can take comfort in knowing that in the event of a flood your home will be covered.

Ginger Wade is a writer for (Ameriflood) where you can find useful information about National Flood Insurance and other related information.

Western Gifts - Finding Made in Montana Souvenirs

Montana has long been known for big blue skies, gorgeous mountains, abundant wildlife and spectacular national parks. As the home of both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, Montana is a favorite tourist location for visitors from around the world. In addition, Montana is rapidly becoming a home for artists and entrepreneurs. When you are traveling in the west and looking for authentic souvenirs, ask for Made in Montana products!

Montana has long been known for big blue skies, gorgeous mountains, abundant wildlife and spectacular national parks. As the home of both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, Montana is a favorite tourist location for visitors from around the world. Now Montana is also becoming a destination spot for weddings, corporate conferences and a wide variety outdoor adventure vacations.

In addition, Montana is rapidly becoming a home for artists and entrepreneurs drawn to its pristine environment and wide-open spaces. Montana residents are known for friendly personalities and a strong work ethic. The prestige of Made in Montana products is growing along with the state's reputation as the "last, best place".

Montana residents have always been proud of their unique western heritage and the independent lifestyle of their sparsely populated rural state. As early as 1916, the concept of promoting products as Made in Montana was taking hold. Citizens wanted to know what products were being produced by their fellow Montanans and wanted to be able to promote their products outside of the state and to the growing number of tourists and visitors.

The modern Made in Montana program was established in 1984. The mission of the Made in Montana program is to assist Montana's entrepreneurs who are creating, making or growing value-added products. Value-added means Montana residents who make a finished product that has been created, made, produced or enhanced in Montana resulting in fifty percent or more added value.

Businesses who wish to have their products officially designated as Made in Montana must apply to the state for approval. Once approved, the businesses have the right to display Made in Montana labels and logos on their products and promotional materials.

When you are traveling in the west and looking for authentic souvenirs, ask for Made in Montana products to bring home to friends and family!

Read more articles by Kathleen Karlsen, an artist, writer and marketing communications specialist at http://www.kathleenkarlsenart.com/artist-art-matters.html. See modern arts paintings, landscape paintings, floral paintings, universe paintings and an abstract art gallery on her website. Learn more her art and collectors at http://www.kathleenkarlsenart.com/collectors.html.

Are You Concerned About Finding Safe Eggs? Produce Your Own!

There have been several food recalls over the past few years that have many consumers becoming concerned about their food sources. The huge egg recall has been in the national news for some time now and the outlook is not very encouraging. It has turned many consumers to other sources for their eggs. If you are concerned there are some choices that you have.

1. Select an organic farm to get your products from.

2. Seek out a small local farm that is in your area and contact them for fresh eggs.

3. Raise your own chickens so you have control over the products produced!

The Organic Farm

This is not a bad idea however you still do not have control of the outcome and can still be a source of stress and worry.

The Small Local Farm

Again you don't have control but you will be able to seek out and observe their farming practises and will be able to determine to some degree whether or not you have a safe source.

Raise Your Own Chickens

This is by far the most absolute control you can have. You will be able to construct your own hen houses and decide the number and types of hens you will raise. This can be very rewarding on several levels because you will have a new hobby that can also save you money and give you peace of mind that your eggs are fresh and safe!

There is another benefit that may present itself in the future and that is raising hens for show, raising chickens for resale and also selling eggs. However all that aside the most rewarding benefit is knowing that you have a fresh safe source for eggs.

If the idea of raising your own chickens is an appealing idea the best place to start is providing a chicken coop for them!

http://www.mysheddesigns.com/

Finding a National Flood Insurance Agent

America is a great place to live. Like all other countries, America does have its have share of problems. One of those problems is the weather. At just about any point in time the weather could turn from wonderful to dangerous. One of the most dangerous events that occur because of the weather is flooding.

Flooding occurs for a wide variety of different reasons. Even though flooding can occur due to a number of factors, too much rain is the most common cause of flooding. A large of number of homes are damaged each year due to flooding caused by too much rain. Many homeowners can be considered lucky because they have flood insurance. Flood insurance helps to assist a homeowner in the cost of rebuilding or repairing their home. If you do not have flood insurance coverage then you may be putting your home and your wallet at risk.

When it comes to obtaining flood insurance you will have to find a company that offers it. These companies are most commonly known as providers or agents. Flood insurance agents can service the whole nation or a specific area. Many individuals looking to purchase flood insurance coverage often wonder whether they should select a national flood insurance provider or a local provider.

It is important to note that when it comes to purchasing flood insurance you have the final say. With that said, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both a local insurance agent and a national flood insurance agent. Many individuals prefer to work with a well-known agent. Many of the most well-known agents are those that work on a national level. Working with a local agent offers comfort to many individuals, but localized agent may not always be your best bet.

A national flood insurance agent or provider is one that offer coverage to Americans, no matter where they live. National flood insurance providers are often small or large organizations that offer quality flood insurance to all Americans. If you are looking for a well-known national flood insurance provider, you should examine the coverage offered by AmeriFlood.

Searching for a national flood insurance agent could produce a large number of results. Many individuals get overwhelmed and do not know where to start. That is why it may be a good idea to learn about the flood insurance coverage offered by AmeriFlood. Their flood insurance coverage is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The difference between AmeriFlood and other flood insurance agents is the cost of insurance. AmeriFlood offers a 12% discount to homeowners looking to purchase flood insurance.

Whether you purchase flood insurance from a local agent, AmeriFlood, or another national flood insurance provider you should be at ease. Almost all flood insurance providers offer coverage plans that are supported or monitored by the government. This means that you can take comfort in knowing that in the event of a flood your home will be covered.

Ginger Wade is a writer for (Ameriflood) where you can find useful information about National Flood Insurance and other related information.