Most of us think if a person has a job they are employed. Technically, that is correct. Yet, these days, in the case of many Americans with jobs, growing numbers are underemployed or underutilized.

Better would be the case that: Each person has work they enjoy doing; Each person is effective at doing the work; Each person’s product or service is in market demand and each person’s productivity consistently warrants satisfactory net earnings. Better still would be the case that enrichment or advancement opportunities were available.

When any one or combination of the four conditions cited above are present - that’s a job.

Of course, if only one or two of those conditions are present, personal job satisfaction may be low, skills utilization may be lacking, personal finances may be short or the job would likely be temporary.

That’s the reality in the United States. The current employment situation is bleak. In numerical terms, less than two-in-three Americans are "working."

The federal government reported in November a “labor force participation rate” of 64.5 percent. Here’s more data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “the employment-population ratio was essentially unchanged at 58.2 percent.”

The same BLS report also noted unemployment increased to 9.8 percent.

Keep in mind that a 9.8 percent unemployment level does not include people who have “stopped looking for work during the last four weeks," thus the government unemployment number is understated.

That’s why, in my view, it would be better to monitor and measure the “labor force participation rate” in order to really know where we are - and where we need to go - as a nation. Along the way we must also ensure that the “participation rate” is properly gathered and calculated.

So how do you fix unemployment?

Regrettably, business-as-usual remains the political game in Washington as is evidenced by what the media trumpeted as a "bipartisan" agreement on extending tax-rates. Even the non-lame ducks chose to add or go along with so much additional spending that they've added almost $1 trillion to the national debt. Yet again, Washington insiders got it wrong.

What follows is how willing individuals can take unemployment into their own hands to get it right.

Ask yourself the following questions. Write down your answers to each. Be candid with yourself. The written answers outline your action road map.

• Do You Want To Work?

If “Yes”- Proceed to the next question.

If “No” – Disconnect the clock and sleep late. When you awake, turn on the TV and look at it; but, not the Help Wanted ads.

A: What Type of Work Have You Done?

B: What Type of Work Are You Interested In Doing?

C: What Type of Work Are You Willing To Do?

If your answer “None” to A, B, and C – Reconsider your answer to question 1.

Otherwise, proceed to highlight or underline the Key Words in your recorded answers to A, B, and C. Then, search the newspapers as well as online Job Listings for your area. Annotate each appropriate newspaper ad as ‘A – B – C and highlight or underline words in the ad copy that link to your Key Words; and, also categorize online searches accordingly and save all searches. Some people print out online postings preferring to work with all hardcopy documents. If you do that you will not be tethered to PC or web.

Now - Take Action. Initiate contact the same day you first see a job advertisement. Morning is best; but afternoon is better than waiting till tomorrow.

Use the telephone. Send your resume (fax – email – postal).

If you are not getting interviews or job offers revisit steps A-C in the job search process and/or go to the next step (4) for consideration and alternate action.

Then - Take Alternate Action: Start Your Own Business.

Use the A-B-C sequence in question 2.

Thoughtfully review market demand for the type of work you do.

List items needed to do the work. You might already have most if not all.

(Do not get bogged down with unnecessary items that delay launch.)

This process works. It can work for anyone. All one need do is to faithfully work the process.

Get started now. Help yourself – and someone else – increase labor force participation by moving from the ranks of the unemployed or transitioning to self employment work.

Here is this week’s poll question:

“Given current high unemployment - which alternative work option

is best for you or others: Find a Job or Start a Business?”

Visit www.KeySurveys.us to provide your input.

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS:

Did Roosevelt know Japan was about to attack Pearl Harbor? And, did he consciously not put our military on alert?

YES - Roosevelt did know Japanese naval forces were approaching Pearl Harbor AND purposefully did not alert our military leaders in Hawaii. 63.24 percent (86 votes) 

NO - Roosevelt would have ordered an alert if he had been advised by senior US military intelligence that Japan would attack Pearl Harbor OR that Japanese naval forces were approaching Hawaii. 21.32 percent (29 votes).

UNSURE / NO OPINION - 15.44 percent  (21 votes) 

Total Votes: 136 [through 121010]

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications; a professional member of the National Speakers Association and, founder of Citizens For Change. He can be reached via e-mail at RichOlivastro@gmail.com or by phone at 1-877-RichSpeaks.