ALT-17 Making the most of your Unemployment
Making the most of your unemployment is a subject you can suddenly find yourself facing. The scenarios for this happening to you are endless. Your employer downsizing or relocating, sellouts to large corporations, gas prices rising in petroleum based businesses or even a lawsuit that leaves your employer bankrupt are not improbable.
Whatever the reason for suddenly facing unemployment the main thing is to not panic. You were seeking employment when you found your last job and you can do it again. Take a few deep breaths and start planning for the future. Your life is not over, only taking an unexpected turn. Here are some things that may help you.
Relax a little
You cannot search for a new job twenty-four seven, relax a little and spend some extra time with your family. Start a collection or find a new hobby. Offer some help around the house such as cooking dinner or doing the laundry. Combine going out socially with making new contacts in your job search.
Taking Stock
The first thing to do is a financial sheet on your assets and expenditures for the immediate future. Try to figure out how long you can allow yourself to look for that perfect new job. Now is not a good time to rush into anything. Take a few days to get your thoughts together and to find support from friends and family.
Resumes
Make a list of your abilities, skills, special knowledge and accomplishments. Don't be modest, list everything. From this list, prepare a resume or update an old one to include the last job and any new skills or educational training you have acquired. Having good references from past employers is a real plus.
Continued education
If your unemployment is due to a lack in your skills or knowledge, now is the perfect time to correct this. Enroll in any classes you feel will help bring you up to par in your chosen field. Even though you have not completed the courses, add this to your resume. It shows your desire to improve your mind and your willingness to learn.
Inquiring minds usually find out
Ask questions of family, friends and co-workers about what is out there in the job market. Search on-line and visit an employment agency. Register with your state employment agency and sign up for your unemployment benefits as soon as you know you are no longer employed. Some employers will try to place laid off employees in new jobs. Take advantage of this and see what they have to offer.
Think it through
Remember that if the reason for your present unemployment can affect similar jobs, you may end up traveling this road again if you decide to stay in the same line of work. Think about your financial obligations and what you can and cannot live without if you change careers and have to take a cut in pay. Consider the overall health of the economy. Ask yourself if you really wish to stay in the same line of work.
Decide
Decide what you want to be doing for the rest of your life and go for it. Don't be afraid to try something new. Most of the time you will find yourself gaining something new for each thing you give up.
Sell yourself as a product
Spruce yourself up, get out there, and sell yourself. You know your value; now show it to potential employers. Don't allow yourself to settle for just anything unless your finances require an immediate source of income. Even then, you have the option of continuing your search as you work in a less than desirable job. Consider it a stepping-stone to where you want to go.
You can make the most of your unemployment by turning a potentially bad experience into a change for the better. When you consider how much of life you spend at work, doesn't it make sense to find something exciting, challenging and fulfilling? You can do it with the right attitude and preparation.
