How Can I Help?

It’s been a while since I last posted to this blog and for that, I apologize. Let me just say that my personal life has been crazy and I’d rather not say much more than that at this time. Maybe someday I’ll share some of the lessons learned in the past year on this blog, but today doesn’t feel like the day.

What has been on my heart & mind is what’s going on with Louisiana’s oil and gas industry lately. Anyone who is familiar with life in South Louisiana knows that the oil & gas industry is the main driver of the economy in the region. With oil prices being so low at the moment, many companies are cutting their US production resulting in job losses across the board. This hardship has affected my family as well. Even though I’m not living in Louisiana, it saddens me greatly to see my family and friends struggling. Knowing that the oil & gas industry can be volatile, this doesn’t surprise many of us. When things are good, they’re great. However, when they begin going south, it happens quickly and affects just about everyone in the region.

All I can keep thinking is “How can I help?”. So, I want to ask that question to you. I need your feedback & input. What would help you better navigate through this difficult period?

I am happy to share my skills, experience and direct you to resources that may help you in acquiring and strengthening those skills that may help you find employment in another industry. I’ll share my ideas of complementary jobs that may fit your skill set. I’ll be happy to review and give resume advice if necessary as well as navigating job boards, creating a profile on LinkedIn, etc.

Creativity doesn’t just apply to arts & crafts. The “Creative” in The Creative Cajun also applies to finding creative solutions to everyday problems. I hope that I can be of assistance in generating some creative solutions to help tide you and your family through this tumultuous oil & gas economical downturn.

For now, I’ll ask you some questions to get your creativity flowing about what you might be able to do in order to generate some income:

1. Make a list of the skills that you used in your previous job (ex: copy writing, researching land records, use of software, tools, equipment). Take that list of skills and determine what jobs in other industries that may use this transferable skill.
2. Is there an up and coming industry that interests you that you’d like to learn more about? I’ve always maintained that alternative/green energy solutions might be a good fit for the skills & experience of those living in South Louisiana. What opportunities lie in these up & coming industries that you could seize before the market is saturated?
3. If you have skills related to computer use, there could be an opportunity for you to obtain some skills that would allow you to apply for a job that is 100% remote. Many organizations have distributed workforces that work with one another from all over the globe. Even someone with general administrative assistant skills could start a business as a Virtual Assistant. I will share more about Virtual Assistants in a future post – this is an excellent option to generate some income for those with backgrounds in Administrative work.

I’m working on a series of posts that will go into more detail about creative solutions, resources and ideas that will help you to survive this downturn in the oil & gas market. In addition, I’ll offer a free, 30 minute phone consultation with the first 5 people who contact me at my email address creativecajun@gmail.com

I’ll send you a pre-call questionnaire so I can get an idea of your background and then review some creative ideas that you can use in your job search.

Lastly, I want to leave you with some words of encouragement.

• Keep the faith, things will recover.
• Do your best to replace fear with faith that you will be given what you need to care for yourself and your family.
• Remember your roots. Our ancestors were resilient and resourceful individuals. They settled in a region of this country that was hot & swampy – it was land that no one else wanted. They not only settled there and survived, but they thrived. You will, too.
• Have faith in yourself, your community and whatever you might call your Higher Power.
• As much as possible, maintain an attitude of gratitude and try to find joy wherever you can. If you’re out of work, does that give you more time with your family? There is a silver lining to every situation – sometimes it’s not evident right away. Keep looking for the good and good things will continue to come your way.
• If you are still employed, I’m sure it goes without mentioning that you’ll do your best to help those in the community who are less fortunate. One of the things that I love about our Cajun culture is the sense of community. We help one another out when necessary.

Please know that all of you are in my thoughts & prayers daily.  Stay strong and don’t lose your sense of humor, friends. You might be down at the moment, but you’re not out. Keep you chin up and keep moving forward.