Survive And Thrive: Essential Pointers In Coping With Unemployment.

Unemployment is one of life’s most challenging situations to be in; it’s impact can be felt physically, psychologically, emotionally, professionally and of course, financially. Here are a few tips to help you cope with unemployment.

••Cut back on expenses

A budget is a good tool at anytime but particularly when your regular source of income is compromised. It is important to closely examine how you spend your money so that you can cut back on your expenses beyond necessities.

••Don't ignore your debt

Contact your creditors and tell them your situation. They may be able to modify the payment terms to a more manageable option.

••Stay connected

Don't be embarrassed and keep to yourself. This is not the time to withdraw from your circles. Your network, including your immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues, former clients, and business contacts, matter now more than ever.

You need to be out and about and engaged in activities to keep you energized. It is usually on one of such outings that your next lead comes.

••Be organized

Dedicate a few of hours each day to your job search. Structure the time for looking for adverts, sending out your CV, contacting people etc. Of course there will be many dead ends or leads that lead nowhere. Remember like in any sales role, you need persistence; in this case you are selling yourself.

••Learn new skills

This “downtime” could well be a perfect opportunity for new learning that could make you more marketable. Are there some important skills that you need in order to improve your prospects? Do you have the skills to get to where you want to be? It’s tempting to start rushing off to do yet another degree or course. Equip yourself with practical skills that are needed in today’s workforce. Meeting new people on your course also expands your network.

••Be prepared for the interview

If you are one of the tiny percentage of those that get to the interview stage, be prepared. Find out about the company you are interviewing with. Do your homework. What value can you add? Are there problems you think you can solve? Prepare questions that you wish to ask. There are literally thousands of people looking for work; what makes you unique? Why should they hire you? Arrive early so you aren’t flustered.

••Stay positive

Don’t despair. No matter how many rejections you’ve had, try to remain positive. Employers receive literally thousands of CVs for a small number of places. It’s nothing personal; there are just so many to go through so they will not respond to all of them.

It’s easier said than done but you just have to move on from the latest disappointment and towards the next opportunity. If you are down, dejected, or depressed, it will show, and sadly this reduces your prospects even further. An employer wants to hire a positive, energized, enthusiastic candidate.

••Be flexible

Your dream job may not come just yet, so don't be fixated on this. Be prepared to accept a role that may not necessarily meet your expectations when you consider your qualifications, expertise, experience or status. If you are offered something that you can do well, accept it so that at least you are earning whilst you continue your search.

••Uncover your skills, talents, and passions

What do you love to do..? What do you enjoy doing..? This is the time to look inwards; reflect on your skills, talents, those things that you do effortlessly but have never leveraged on or thought of monetizing.

••Build in some fun

Schedule activities that are inexpensive, engaging and fun. Abandoned hobbies, books you never had the time to read, on line learning are all ways to add value to yourself whilst reducing the pressure of the situation you find yourself in. Try to enjoy this time; remember how much we all crave down time when we are working.

Conclusion

Whilst being unemployed is one of life’s most challenging events, it can also come with huge opportunities if you remain positive, proactive and are able to seize the moment. Your time of unemployment can be a time of growth and purpose. With focus, determination, support and a positive mindset, you can survive and even thrive.

P.S: Lead Image; gotten from Unsplash..

Thanks for Reading🖤 💙. If you enjoyed this article, don't forget to like and Subscribe!!

Copyrights Disclaimer:

Images or material published in this content, is used for entertainment and educational purposes and falls within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording means without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and/or author