Re-Thinking Careers: Increasing Your Value

In the January 2010 issue of Money Magazine the author recommends "adding a credential" as a tool to survive in today's fragile job market.  The recession has caused millions of workers to rethink what job security means.  As I write the unemployment rate is still hovering around 10%.  It makes sense to have more than one skill set in order to naviagate through the unknowns of these ever changing times.  Here are some suggestions on framing a new plan to stay afloat in today's job market.

• 1 year certificate at a community/technical college.  There are some great career programs that can be achieved through your local community college.  Many of the class offerings are available at day times and evenings.  This is great given the time constraints of some individuals.
• 2 year degree from community college.  This has the same benefits as those mentioned above but the amount of training is more involved.
• Make a hobby into a part-time business.  Think about what you love to do in your spare time.  Are you good with technologies?  Are you musically gifted (music lessons)? Are you a rock solid cook? How about part-time catering?  Many folks have things they love but haven't gone the extra step to think about how those skills can be marketed as a business.
• Take a part-time job in an area of your interest.  Go find someone who owns a business in an area of your interest and inquire about part time employment.  Business owners are always on the look out for 'reliable workers.'  Letting them know of your passion for their business can open the door for you.  This also adds to your network of potential employers.
• Start a blog.  While it can take some perseverance to make money at this practice, it is still an option.  This can be especially beneficial if you have a knack for writing and/or website design.
• Freelance.  You can do your own thing through a part time business.  While you may have to beat the bushes at the start up level, once you get established this can bring extra income.  Personal Finance Ninja shares how he makes $1000 a month freelancing.  This is a great read.
• Consulting. If you have a lot of knowledge about a particular career field you can be of value to business owners trying to add value to their business.  Having extensive years of experience in a given field can open doors for you.  I have personal friends who do this in education and medical fields.
• Think about previous employers.  Maybe you have long forgotten about jobs you had 5 or 10 years ago.  It can never hurt to touch base with a previous workplace and feel out any job opportunities there.  Having previous experience in that career might increase your value to the organization.  Your prior experience may save them on training costs. 
• Do an internship.  Internships are on the job trainings with no training costs for the employer.  Ask the boss if you can spend 5 hours a week experiencing what happens at the workplace (for free).  While this may or may not be well received, you never know until you ask.  If the employer agrees, you've just added another resource to your network.

I hope that a few of these options provide some direction to someone looking to expand their skills in a fragile job market.  Which one appeals the most to you?  Please share one that I may have left out?