While it might be embarrassing to have lost your job don’t be afraid to let others know you are looking for work. Doing this will make you feel like you are in more control of the situation – plus you never know if, when and where there might be a job available for you. Share what you are going through and how you feel with those you trust and love the most and never be afraid to ask for support or help. While it might feel natural to feel embarrassed and not feel comfortable about asking for help – don’t isolate yourself, it will only make you feel worse.
Why not join or even consider starting your own job club. Spending time with others looking for work can be great support, they also offer encouragement and often job leads as well – after all you’re ALL not looking for the same job! It can help keep you motivated as well, while keeping you *on track* with your goals. If you don’t want to start your own club, ask at your local library, local council or employment offices and see if any are located near you.
Stay connected to a network – many job openings are never advertised in papers or websites, they are often advertised and filled via word-of-mouth. This is why networking is a great way to find a job. Sadly many people don’t like to take advantage of their networks as they don’t want to come across as pushy or annoying. Networking isn’t about using people or promoting yourself, it is about building new relationships and contacts that you can go to not only for help, but for advice and support as well.
Networking is a lot easier than you think it’s not as difficult or as hard as you might think, and it can be rewarding and fun even if you are shy.
Remember that being unemployed can affect your whole family, so always be open, honest and communicate. Tell your family what is going on and involve them in any big decisions. Keeping your unemployment or job loss a secret will only make the situation worse. Tell your family about your job search plans and keep them involved – tell them how you spend your time and keep them updated on any developments and reassure them that their support is valuable.
If your family is worried about you – listen to them, they are worried about you and about their own futures and stability, so allow them the chance to talk to you about this and to raise any fears and concerns. Make sure you make time to have fun as a family – set aside time where you can enjoy each other’s company, forget your job loss or unemployment worries for a while and let off steam. Time spent together will help the whole family stay positive.
And finally take time for yourself – stress and job loss can take a toll on your health, so now is the time to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Make time for rest, relaxation and fun – your job search will be more effective if you are emotionally, physically and mentally at your best. Exercise is great for stress and is a powerful mood and energy booster – aim for 30 mins exercise each day. Get plenty of sleep – try for 7-8 hours a night to help keep your stress levels under control and relax! Try some deep breathing or relaxation to help boost your mood while keeping you calm.
How have you handled unemployment? Do you have any tips or advice you can share with our readers?
