Transition jobs

MANILA, Philippines — For 2010, Department of Labor and Employment information says that our unemployment rate was estimated to be 7.9%. IMF website points to the two important reasons for the high unemployment rate namely rapid population growth and increased labor participation.

The increase in the number of unemployed people can also be attributed to the global recession that started as early as five years ago.

The return of OFWs was not just the result of peace and order situation in their host countries but may also be attributed to retrenchment, early retirement programs or cost-rationalization activities by many multinational companies resulting from economic slump of their host countries.

In 2010 and up to the first quarter of 2011, 6,100 OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) affected by uprising in some North Africa and the Middle East countries, were displaced with about 4,000 of them, mostly skilled workers opted to return home. There were those forced to return from Japan following the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami or those from Taiwan as a result of the closure of many manufacturing firms

For the self employed, it is more of the lack or inadequate Capital that forced them to rethink their small businesses. New graduates also contributed to the increase in the statistics on the unemployed since there very few new Corporations that can absorb them. As of March, the unemployed college graduates comprised 39.1% of the total unemployed or about 1.059 million.

This brings us to the question as to what kind of jobs are waiting for people in transition.

When people are transitioned, he must make a quick decision to survive. He can do any of the following – go into active retirement, become an entrepreneur and or pursue employment, which is the most challenging. Why? Because the employment option may probably require new skills, individual experience may not fit the requirements of the new job and definitely, it is difficult to find his desired salary.

So, what are the options open to those in transitions?

Aside from the P1 billion (US$22.7 million) Re-integration fund set aside by the government in December, 2010 and to be released as soft loans with very low interest rate to qualified returning OFW, individually, the OFWs can initiate things within the reach of their own capital.

Proof of this is the OFW remittance from January to September, 2010, which reached its peak of $13.7 million or roughly P1 billion higher than the previous year. Majority of this repatriated capital was spent in housing and house improvements, a boom to the real estate industry.

For those who had white collar jobs, the world of consultancy is an option. They can act as advisers, mentors, or consultants to companies with programs to retrain, enhance the skills or teach new methods to employees. Many companies specially this second half of the year, would need a lot extra hand to help them in year-end activities in Accounting, Information Technology and even Administration.

A short term contract, of about six months , can easily be obtained. For many, they can apply as Management Consultants on a project basis in areas like Sales and Marketing, Operations and Human Resource .

The other option is to go into Training Services. While this would need capital for the rental of the venue, administration and marketing, the service can be offered in house to potential clients to cut on operational costs and bring down your pricing.

Others see their transition, as the best time to turn their skills and hobbies into business opportunities. One who is keen on photography can start his own Studio and makes himself available for wedding coverage, birthday parties and the like. And if you like to cook, you don’t have to enroll and get a certificate in Culinary Arts. Just do it! You can open your own small Resto-Bar in your own community.

Other small businesses that can survive even in third class municipalities are the Internet cafes, laundry business, barangay coffee shop, child care centers, fast food business (carinderia), and livelihood activities like home made sardines, sweets and other delicacies.

For those who have inclination to agriculture and/or livestock raising, one can be a weekend Butcher or put up your own BBQ grill Resto. One can also try to do backyard farming with easy to grow vegetables or maintain small fish ponds for domestic consumption. He can also try Goat raising.

Lastly if you have the time , skills and capital, one can get a Franchise and manage it. Just be sure you have thoroughly studied the background of the company, their products and how to market them and that you understand the Franchising Agreement.

There are still many options available for those in transition. What is important is identifying the option that suits you best! –TEODORO P. ESTACIO, Manila Bulletin