Unemployed for an Extended Period of Time? Feeling Rusty?

Have you been out of the workforce long enough that you are starting to forget what it was like to work?

Is it becoming harder and harder for you to even imagine working again? And when you do, do you experience a physical reaction like, butterflies in your stomach, shaking, faintness etc....?

Are you feeling rusty? If so, it is important to recognize that your feelings are normal. It is not unusual to feel distanced from your skills. It is also important to understand that your skills are still with you, they are just dormant. They've been hibernating.
It's like riding a bike. You will be able to ride again; you might take a few falls but you'll be back on your bike before you know it. Keep sight of the fact that once you land your job and get back into the swing of things, being unemployed will be a distant feeling!

To assist you in reducing your anxiety, consider upgrading or reviewing your skills depending upon what industry you are in. For some, the upgrading may not be costly; for instance - typing programs and computer software upgrading are available free online. Volunteering is another option.

The important thing is to keep sight of your goals and remember that there is light at the end of the job search tunnel!

                                                                               -Sunny + Sassy

Job Search ATTITUDE

The key to a successful job search lies within your attitude! An employer is less willing and/or likely to hire a candidate who appears down and out, lacking in enthusiasm and/or desperate than one who is positive, keen, inquisitive and eager to learn.

A candidate can have all the skills necessary to do the job but if his/her attitude is not positive, the employer is more than likely to bypass this candidate and continue to interview other applicants. 

When you are unemployed, having a positive attitude isn't always easy, especially if you have been out of the workforce for a long period of time. But, your attitude is crucial to a successful job search.

So, how can you pull on your positive self when you are feeling down in the dumps and unable to see the light at the end of the job search tunnel?

Some tips for pulling on your positive self are:

1.    In preparation for a job interview, visualize yourself employed; recall positive moments from previous job(s).

2.    Utilize self-talk before, during and after your interview(s). Remind yourself of your strengths; your positive attributes.

3.    Ensure that you are getting adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise (see previous blog posts on how to de-stress yourself).

4.    Every day, make an effort to look your best!

5.    Smile, discover humor; make an effort to laugh- comedy, jokes, funny memories.

6.    Journal...topics such as: when I imagine working, I feel....My positive strengths are....

7.    Breathe, deeply and often; make sure you have lots of oxygen in your body!

8.    Be around positive energy; friends, family, social clubs that provide positive feedback.

9.    Be aware of your energy. If negative (especially in an interview) turn it around immediately!

10.   Deal with rejection. If you don't get the job, don't let that spill into your next interview. Learn from it and move on.

11.   Remain patient, diligent and structured in your job search; daily, weekly schedules and job logs. Note follow-ups and respond in a timely fashion. Periodically review your job logs to remind yourself of your diligence. Remember, you can only do your best!

12.   Accept yourself! You are where you are for a reason. Learn from your experiences and keep sight of the light at the end of the job search tunnel. Your positive job search attitude will be the key to your success!

                                                                                      -Sunny + Sassy

JOB DESPERATION

Are you applying for any job just to get a job?  While this may seem like the solution to your unemployment problems right now, this alternative may not be beneficial in the long run.  During an interview or networking, your body language, facial expressions and words are more likely to show your desperation if you are looking for just any job.  No one really wants to hire someone who has no interest in what they are applying for.  In the chance that you are hired, your employer will quickly see that you aren’t interested in the job and you will too.  In the long run, your chances of quitting or even being fired are likely.  Instead of applying for any and all jobs, ensure you have a specific employment goal and stick with it.  You will be much happier in the long run!
                                                                                                                                                 - SUNNY

                                                                                                                                                 

SASSY:  Hey Sunny,  maybe some people prefer to find any job and continue looking for the perfect job.  Some people have bills to pay you know.  It may be desperation, but they have good reasons!!

SUNNY: I do agree that times are hard when your financial situation is strained.  But I think that if you can pull it off, taking the time to find a job that you love is important for your emotional health!  Think about it, if you take a job for the sake of taking a job, you will most likely be unemployed again not long after you have started; either because of termination or quitting. 

SASSY:  You make a good point!  But I think it's an individual thing. Some people may be able to handle a not so perfect job for awhile as long as they know that they will eventually be moving on to a job that they are passionate about.

SUNNY: Every situation is unique but job desperation is not a good quality to portray in a job interview. It's important to be aware of how you will be portrayed by the interviewer.

SASSY: The most important thing is to do what is best for you!

Stuck in Despair

Dear Job SOS,
I have been out of work for a number of years. I am a bookkeeper by trade but found myself suddenly unemployed, struggling financially and really depressed. That's when I started to use drugs. From there, my life went out of control. To make a long story short, I was lucky enough to clean up but as each day, week, month and year passes, I am feeling more and more scared of going back into the workforce.
I have been collecting government money and am stuck in a cycle of poverty and despair. Please help me. I don't know how long I can keep going like this.
From Stuck in Despair


Dear Stuck in Despair,
How difficult for you to live in such a state of despair and depression! At times it must feel like there is no light in sight for the future. But, if there is a will, there is a way and it sounds like you have the will to get out of this situation. It's a matter of figuring out how, formulating a plan, setting your goals and moving forward.

Because you have bookkeeping skills and experience, it's a matter of acquiring some updated training.
I recommend that you consider volunteering at a non-profit or charitable organization to help bring your work history more current and your skills up-to-date. Even though volunteer work is unpaid, it is still work! And it will help you to meet people and begin the process of networking which is one of the crucial elements to a successful job search plan.
I'd also suggest that you check out free workshops at your local library or community centre - at the very least, training which is minimal in cost.

Another option is to apply for entry level positions that provide on the job training; such as customer service.
It is important to remember and remind yourself that you and your skills are valuable. Perseverance and determination are key! You will need to take baby steps at first but if you set your goals and apply yourself, anything is possible and you will eventually see the light at the end of the job search tunnel.
From Sunny                 

SASSY: Ok Sunny, sounds great and maybe Stuck in Despair will see the light but realistically Stuck  is literally 'stuck'. It is an uphill battle to pull oneself out of an entrenched lifestyle especially if you have been depending on government money. Pretty hard to give that up! And don't forget, Stuck has been out of the workforce for a long time!
And what about relapse. Stuck is at risk of using drugs if suddenly a substantial amount of money is coming into the household. Sounds to me like Stuck needs to get counselling before any sort of job search is undertaken.


SUNNY:  I agree that there are risks attached to any decision Stuck makes but I also feel that if Stuck is ready to make a change, then it's time. Reaching out and seeking counselling is a good idea but sometimes it isn't that easy to find free counselling that doesn't have a year long waiting list. But, I do agree that it's important to talk to someone so I would suggest, if a professional is not readily accessible, that Stuck considers confiding in a friend or family member. And if Stuck is alone, without friends or family, then a crisis line is also an option.


Thanks for that suggestion Sassy - it is important to have support, in whatever form that may be! Another option is for Stuck to write in a journal, document feelings, emotions and plans. Writing is a good avenue for releasing stress. It is also a means of determining and monitoring goals.
Regarding your concern about relapse, Stuck will always be at risk for relapse. Being clean and in recovery doesn't mean one is safe from relapse. And having money is not the only trigger. Stuck needs to be ready to make life changes and success will follow. It is really up to Stuck to determine when the time is right!


SASSY:  Success comes from within. It's important that Stuck believes that success is possible and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!
                                                        

SURVIVING UNEMPLOYMENT

Job Loss + Grief