Nobody likes to be unemployed and the longer you’re out of work the harder it can be to deal with things. It isn’t just the lack of money coming in that is worrisome (though that is a real issue for many). It is also the loss of the sense of purpose. Here are some of the things you can try if you need some help surviving unemployment.
Create a Routine
The first couple of weeks that you are unemployed can feel like a vacation. You can get up whenever you want and do whatever you want all day! Before long, though, you are going to feel at loose ends and this is where a routine becomes important. At the very least, keep yourself trained to get up at a certain time every day, to eat lunch at the same time every day, etc. You can also add in household chores, volunteering gigs, specific hours for job hunting, etc. The routine helps you feel like you have a sense of direction which can go a long way toward keeping yourself sane.
Volunteer
Pick one or two causes and volunteer for them. Serve soup at a soup kitchen. Shelve books at the library. Work in an animal shelter. In addition to getting you out of the house a few times a week, volunteering looks fantastic on a resume, which makes you more attractive to an employer. Community service is more important than it has ever been before. What’s more, you never know who you are going to meet while you’re volunteering. The person cleaning cages with you might be your next job reference.
Figure Out Your Finances
If you have been unemployed for a while, you are probably having some money problems. If there isn’t any employment on the horizon, there’s nothing wrong with taking out a small loan, like those offered by mogo money, to keep your bases covered. A small loan can be used to help cover a housing payment, some utilities, or put some extra food on your table (particularly if you are too proud to explore the SNAP programor your unemployment keeps you from qualifying for much of a benefit).
The most important thing that you can do if you need help staying sane while you are unemployed is to keep yourself moving with momentum. Things like volunteering, sticking to a budget, and a daily routine are all things that will keep you active. Staying active is the key to staying sane while you are looking for work.
8 replies on “Surviving Unemployment”
i agree… better do something than nothing at all. makes you visible and open to opportunities and more importantly, makes you feel accomplished at the end of the day. nice one. Yahweh bless.
… and maybe push to have a job! Take this time to just apply and apply and apply! 🙂
These are very helpful activities while waiting for a job opportunity because you will never feel idle and if your mind and body are busy… you will be inspired and motivated. Your time is worthwhile.
You can say that again… the self-worth part, I mean. Hehe.. Good thing I have slowly adjusted to my being unemployed. With the help of blogging, I think I’m getting through. Much as I want to volunteer here, the language keeps me from doing it. I hope someday I can do it.
Being one of those unemployed individuals is absolutely tough. I’ve been there. It is an advantage if a certain individual has several fields of expertise because more opportunities that way.
Volunteering not only keep your sense of direction, but open your eyes on so many things you never thought exist while you are working..
I’ve been unemployed for probably just 15 days only in between jobs but I think if that time comes, I know I would have a lot of avenues for my creativity and skills.
Volunteering may look like an all-free work but aside from getting a set of experience and an opportunity to polish your expertise, it is also a positive input to the resume’.