I have the opportunity to speak tomorrow at Career Connections in Dallas. I will be speaking about some of the issues that individuals must deal with during a time of unemployment, especially when that time extends longer than originally expected. I have some experience with this since I personally have gone through three layoffs in the past four years. My husband also experienced an extended period of unemployment during this same four year period. I'm going to be sharing some of that tomorrow, so I thought I 'd share some of it here as well.
One of the things I decided during my bouts of unemployment was to view the whole experience from a different perspective. Rather than looking at it as a time without a job, think of it as a job in which your job description is to find a better job. Think about it; the state is paying you but there are tasks you must complete in order to qualify for that payment. Any job you have is going to give you a check, but only if you properly fulfill your job requirements. So, treat unemployment like a job. A lousy paying job, but a job. Set yourself a schedule, then follow it. Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, just like your last job. Give yourself a lunch break, bathroom breaks, whatever, but treat it just like you treated your other jobs.
This keeps you in a pattern that has already been established. Follow the same rules. Just because you don't "feel like working", get up and do it anyway. Do your internet job searches. Go to the local unemployment office or workforce center and follow up on leads you get there. Attend networking events and job fairs. Keep track of mileage to and from these events and interviews and claim it on your taxes; it's legal to do that. Find ways to expand your network by taking advantage of volunteer opportunities; you never know who you might meet or what you might find out. Visit your nearest Toastmasters International club meeting. Go to the library. All of these things will give you opportunities and leads that you simply will not find sitting at home on the couch staring at Judge Judy or The Price is Right.
When you were employed full time you got up and went to work everyday, did your job, and collected your check. Treat unemployment the same way. Staying active, staying involved, seeking out other people and making the most of every networking opportunity you find will help avoid many of the side issues that can accompany unemployment, especially if it extends any length of time. Yes, you're still going to experience stress. Your income is decreased but your bills haven't changed. The harder you work to find a job, the sooner you will find one. Don't give in to the frustration that will inevitably be a part of the job search. Don't allow yourself to say "I don't feel like it today, I think I'll stay home." You didn't do that with your last job did you? No, of course not. You had a responsibility and you did it. This is no different. Earn your unemployment check just like you earned your paycheck. Daily, rain or shine, feel like it or not, get out there and do it.
Unemployment is not fun, we all know that. It's hard enough to survive, let alone thrive in a down economy and drastically reduced income does nothing to help the situation. You are the only one who can help you. It really all does come down to choice. You must choose how you're going to perceive the situation in which you find yourself. If you treat it like an extended vacation, you'll "rest" yourself right into depression, anxiety, overeating, and other emotional traps and headaches. If you treat it like a job, you'll help yourself stay healthier in both mind and body, and have a better chance of finding a job sooner rather than later. Most of what happens, you have no control over. You do have control of you. Take control. Work at your unemployment and work yourself into a better job. Who knows, it may even be that perfect dream job you always wanted but were too busy working to find.
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