A person could slog it out for 10, 15, 20–however many–years, thinking this sucks but there’s nothing better out there, and then get laid off just the same as anyone else. I can’t think of anything worse than becoming complacent in a job, letting your skills become totally outdated, then being let go and left to find a new job in a competitive job market. I can’t imagine trying to put together a resume after not having had to think about it for 10 years—it’s daunting enough to keep mine updated on a continual basis.

And now with social media it’s becoming exponentially easier not only to network but to learn new, very marketable skills without having to take time off or go into massive debt getting a graduate degree. Read blogs, start blogging, start tweeting, and not only are you learning the most up-to-date PR/marketing/communications skills, but you have an edge over people who have grad degrees in those subjects because just a few years ago these tools–which are now essential and will be even more-so going forward—weren’t even around. Not to mention that these social networks open doors that would never have previously been available to you as far as career opportunities go.

Thank you for providing it!