Q. I lost my job a year and a half ago and after watching that industry bite the dust I know I'm never going to get my old job back-or even one like it. So what does a guy in his late 40s do?
Ans. You're fortunate that you have enough years ahead to actually develop a new career. According to Jeff Cohen, who wrote "The Complete IDIOT'S Guide to Recession-Proof Careers (Alpha $17.95) you must look at yourself in terms of skills and traits. Core business skills never lose their relevance, he contends. Among the several best transferable skills he lists are: communication, attention to detail, work ethic, thinking abilities, computer proficiency and sales and persuasion. It's important you keep a positive attitude. These unfortunate times won't last forever.