Being out of work for an extended period of time can really do a number on your self-esteem. Here are some tips for getting through the tough times.
Surviving long term unemployment is one of the hardest career challenges you're likely to face. Sometimes it can feel like the rest of your life is going to be spent looking for a job. Even though we have been going through one of the toughest job markets in recent history, every job you don't get can feel like a personal rejection. And, all those little rejections add up, and before you know it, you are depressed, discouraged and the feeling of being a failure starts to permeate your confidence, your life, your attitude and it poisons your chances of finding a new job, because the bitterness becomes more difficult to hide.
If you are struggling through this situation, here are some tips to help you get through the tough times and re-capture some enthusiasm for your job search:
- Struggles are a part of life – It's hard to keep things in perspective when your family's financial well-being is on the line, but hard times are a part of life. When you are feeling beat down and out of hope, remind yourself that millions of other people are going through the exact same thing as you. We all have hard times and challenges we have to overcome. The main thing is to stop beating yourself up over it. Resist the urge to go over all of the things you should have, could have and would have done. Accept the situation, and know that in order to overcome this obstacle, you need all of your strength, and beating yourself just makes you weaker.
- Find out what it takes to get by – Sit down and really look at the numbers. Figure out how much money you need to have to feed yourself and your family. Look for ways to accomplish this, and don't let pride stop you from taking advantage of any programs or assistance that can help you. When the chips are down, you just have to do what you've got to do. There is no shame is asking for help.
- Keep a positive attitude – No matter what your situation is, there is always something to be grateful for. If you can hold on to the things that matter and keep yourself smiling, you'll be better able to deal with the bumps in the road, and what's more, you'll make a better impression on an interviewer and raise your odds of finding work. It takes a great deal of inner strength to stay positive in the face of adversity. When you keep a smile on your face, you're proving that these set backs and hard times aren't going to defeat you.
- Get a support group – The company of others who are going through the same thing as you can really help. Sure, you can do it on your own, but why not find others who are looking for work and plan a weekly pot-luck lunch? In addition to just providing support to each other, you can share job leads, talk about job search strategies and help each other.
- Look for opportunities – If you can't find a job in your career field, you may want to consider taking a part time job that relates to one of your hobbies or even look for ways to market your skills as a freelancer. If you keep your eyes open, looking at the possibilities, you might stumble across a great idea that will not only help you get through this period, but may become a new direction for your career. The key is to keep your eyes open and look for possibilities.
What other things do you think are important when you are dealing with long term unemployment? Share your tips in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for FinancialJobBank. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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