Coping with unemployment is not easy but if you use it as an opportunity for self-improvement, you will thrive.
Being unemployed can be devastating on many levels. Professionally, psychologically, financially, and emotionally, it feels like we’ve lost the ground we stood on because so much of our personal identity is embodied in our careers. Although it’s not easy to cope with it, you can use it as a growth opportunity.
1. How To Deal With Unemployment Stress
Here are a few simple ways with which you can thrive through unemployment.
Adopt a positive mindset
Attitude is everything as it can make all the difference between a good and a bad day. Therefore, you need to do everything you can to keep your spirits up. Listen to Louise Hay’s affirmations, meditate and do whatever makes you feel better. You need to make your well-being a priority.
Stay active
You need to be open to new opportunities and they won’t come to you if you’re sitting on your couch. Cast your net and turn on your antennas.
Learn a new skill
You now have the time to learn a new language or enhance your professional skillset. It will also keep your mind sharp and fresh. You will also meet new people.
Volunteer
Doing good feels good. In times of crisis, it’s healing to realize you have so much to give and make someone else feel better.
Follow your passion
Now is the time to focus on what your heart wants. You have an opportunity to start over and create an even better life so instead of pining, use it.
2. Tips On Saving Money When You Are In Between Jobs
Economizing doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on life as you can trim expenses without making any major lifestyle sacrifices.
Adopt energy-efficient practices
Turn off appliances when they’re not in use as well as lights. Use washing machines and dishwashers for full loads. Make sure you seal any window or door drafts to prevent indoor air from escaping. Every little energy-efficient effort counts as it will reduce your Oncor Energy bill and save you money.
Challenge yourself
Change yourself to buy only basics for a given amount of time. Not only is it economical but it will also give you a sense of achievement.
Discover free perks
Fun can be cheap even free. Take a long walk. Hike. Meditate.
Get better deals
Check your insurance, internet and utility providers to ensure you are getting the best deal and rate.
3. How To Find a New Job
Don’t lose hope as your new job might be just around the corner.
Focus on your dream job
Making too many applications is counter-productive. You cannot meet the requirements for every job open, and you probably would not like to do every job that is available. So, figure out the job you want to do that suits your knowledge, skills, and experience.
Fill the gap
Being busy will make you feel better and it looks better on your CV. Get a temporary job, work part-time, do some freelance work, volunteer, or even learn something relevant to your career prospects.
Network
As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. The key to successful networking is in giving as opposed to just asking for a favor. If you only ask for favors without doing something in return, that means you are using people and that is everything but a virtue. Good networking is not about using people, it’s about a valuable exchange. We, humans, are social creatures after all.
Takeaway
Coping with unemployment is undoubtedly one of the most difficult things an adult has to deal with because in many ways, we are what we do, and being unemployed can shake our core. But use unemployment as a valuable opportunity to build a new and better version of yourself that you come out of this experience even stronger.