How One Recent Grad Staged Her Career Comeback

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To "how does one make their own career?" I think the answer to that question is one you don't see out there because no journalist or blogger is going to have your exact circumstances. Their answers may be helpful or point you in the right direction, but you have to figure out what fits for you.

The young lady profiled in this blog noticed a problem (terrible job prospects in a bad economy) and used that topic to create discussion and books based off of her insight. In the same way, you might use some of the problems you've noticed particular to you to instigate change for your particular situation. Can you become an expert on helping people get through credentialing hurdles? Can you become an advocate for the mental health profession? I, of course, do not know, but maybe looking through that lens will help.

I'm working on the solution to a problem I noticed with pharmacy prices. Basically, there is very little information for people to know if what they are paying for medications is fair. I couldn't find the information online so I built a place online. http://www.frugalpharmacies.com/ It has meant a lot of nights, weekends, and skipped showers, but it has been interesting. It is hard to get noticed too.

In other words, prepare for lots of uncertainty and work. Ready made jobs are usually much easier, but lots of great ideas came from people who didn't have the easier option. Good luck to you.

Emily of GA 3:19PM June 21, 2011

I have a question....that none of the blogs, articles, or columnists are able to answer. If "the way to make a bad economy work for you is to create your own career," how does one do this when one is not in a business industry?

I'm not licensed to provide the mental health services for which I went to school. So it's not like I can hang up my own shingle or consult, as I lack the necessary credentials.

Also, I have noticed there's a great division between the haves and have nots among 20-somethings I know. My friends who had parents pay their college tuition have had an easier time in the recession, as they had the option of being an unpaid intern after graduation. Those who didn't have that luxury are facing a double dose of debt and being unable to launch a career.

veronica of NH 2:30PM June 21, 2011

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Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about making smarter financial decisions. She’s the author of Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back.

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