Do I Have the Guts To Do Something Radical?

Do I have the guts to do something radical? I have many years of sales and marketing experience, but I've been pondering lately about what people in my age group are thinking when it comes to how to use the internet in the job market today.

Nearly one year ago, I was laid off a job that I had for 8-1/2 years. I was comfortable at that job. I worked for an international environmental consulting company. I did my job well, I was well liked in the company; I liked the people I worked with. I made enough money to keep my head above water. I was happy.

Frankly, the last three years have been difficult personally. I was just beginning to feel like I had my feet back under me, after my husband's lengthy battle with cancer and subsequent death. Of course, the whole death and dying scenario wreaks havoc on all family members, and getting through that first couple years was tough for everyone. I had relied on my job to help keep me focused as much as possible every day. I was comfortable with a steady income from my employer, and did the best I could. None of my efforts changed the outcome.

One of the hardest things to give up was three weeks of earned vacation not to mention the benefits, and the sick time every year. The thought of having to start over somewhere again puts knots in my stomach.

When I lost my job, I cut expenses way back. Nonetheless, even with unemployment, I found myself going through my 401K, like many other people. Which brings me to the job search problem. I've never had any trouble finding a job in my life. Now in 2010, the rules for a job search have changed quite a bit.

High unemployment rates are of course a concern, but mostly, applying for a job is very different than it was years ago. Most employers want you to send all correspondence via e-mail, or submit applications online. Some will allow the archaic use of faxes, but the problem is the same. You are one resume' in a very large stack of paper. I've noticed very few hiring managers will take a phone call, and it's difficult to get anyone to see you if you show up in person without an appointment. Networking has only carried me so far at this point.

I've seen the newsclips of some people who have tweeted about needing a job, made the YouTube Video, made the FaceBook connection; or who have met the President in person, gotten press and received multiple job offers.

I wonder, do I have the guts to do something radical for a job? If so, what would it be? What is stopping me from creating an ad campaign on my own behalf? What would people think? Would it damage my 'reputation'? Do I care, as long as I get results, which is of course, a job offer.

More than a number of baby-boomers are finding themselves in the same boat as I am. I admit I am feeling a little sorry for myself - in a very public way by writing about it. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking for a job. What I will continue to think about is whether or not I have the guts to do something radical for a job offer. I will think outside the box. Whatever that box is...

What have you done to get a job in this market? Would you consider doing something radical to get a job? Would you consider DREAMING about doing something radical, and if so what would you do?