The U.S. Economy is in crisis as I write this column.
 
Over the last month, faith in America's financial institutions has been severely tested. The declining housing market is a mess and so is the America's credit infrastructure. Will the $700 billion Federal Bail Out plan work? Perhaps, time will tell.
 
In the meantime, corporate mergers and meltdowns will probably continue to curb corporations’ hiring.
 
Every American has good reason to wonder how this financial crisis will impact them and their family. Will their savings be at risk? Will they be able to find employment soon? These concerns are valid. But, here's one piece of advice: don't panic.
 
Instead, rely on your military training to keep your head about you in this current crisis. It's important to have a well-constructed game plan for your career as thee economic landscape and U.S. job market changes.
 
Chances are the U.S. job market is going to become tight over the coming months. But where there is crisis, there is always new opportunity for those who can think outside the box, improvise and adapt— which all U.S. Soldiers are trained to do. Thanks to the Internet almost anyone can conduct targeted research to find new job opportunities.

Today, you should take stock of your personal resources and prepare for the possibility of a difficult job market. And, examine your personal assets and make sure you are saving enough money.
 
Take this time to speak with a number of financial advisors and aggressively network with friends and associates who may work in stable or thriving industries. Additionally, you need to keep abreast of financial news. Information is in this day and age is vital. Be proactive about your financial future, make sure you have the correct Intel, and take  all the necessary steps to make sure your personal assets are secure.
 
But try to have a little faith that we will overcome this crisis. America was founded by a group of rugged individualists and visionaries. We have always managed and overcome any crisis. We survived depressions, recessions, world wars, natural disasters, epidemics, and social upheaval—together. America will persevere.
 
Our country constantly confronts new challenges. This is not the first time we have been tested and it won't be the last.
 
At Drum Associates, we work with individuals every day who want to chart a new career path. It takes vision and guts and it takes a game-plan. When the economy is in a volatile state it is hard to predict when new jobs will become available. That's why we advise every person we meet with to do their homework, prepare for new possibilities and network at all times.
 
I believe that the U.S. economy will right itself sooner rather than later. That faith is based on 40 years of experience observing Wall Street and working closely with some of America's best and brightest executives.
 
In sum, it’s up to every individual to stay informed and to watch for new opportunities. It’s also time to be open to new possibilities and new realities.
 
Remember, crisis = opportunity.