Unemployment Making the best of it
You walk into your office one Tuesday morning and see a note from your boss stating, See me ASAP. Your heart begins to pound. Your palms sweat. Your stomach feels nauseous, churning over and over. You've heard the rumors of layoffs in your department and just know that today is the day. Today you are joining the ranks of the unemployed.
After you've collected your personal belongings, returned any company equipment and left the building, what do you do now? How do you turn this negative, devastating experience into a positive, rewarding one? What do you do next?
First of all, don't blame yourself. In most cases, you've done nothing wrong but be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's hard to not wonder what you did to deserve this treatment, but in this economy with companies laying off large number of workers, you should not blame yourself. It is not a productive use of your time, and you should not waste it by blaming yourself.
Secondly, take time for yourself. Many laid off workers immediately start looking for work without taking the time to discover their talents, needs and wants. While the economic reality of having to pay bills and put food on the table is a major driver, taking a day or so to reflect on your career wants and needs provides you with an opportunity to gather your thoughts, your resume and your contact lists. Journaling and meditating are two very helpful means for the newly unemployed to focus on themselves. Knowing what you do best and being able to present yourself in the best possible light are important elements in your job search.
Thirdly, don't hide from your social network. Due to depression, guilt, embarrassment, fear, or blame, many laid off workers immediately cut themselves off from friends and former co-workers. Having a support network and social life is key to maintaining a positive attitude and outlook. Because most people find jobs through friends and social networks, maintaining that support and friendship will help you find your next position. Even if they don't, you can enjoy time with your friends without having work pressures distract you. In fact, you may find that you have more time for developing friendships than you did when you were working.
Fourthly, make time to exercise at least a couple times a week. Exercise is a proven stress reducer and unemployment is a very stressful situation. Taking a walk, playing tennis at the local high school, or joining a low cost gym are all relatively inexpensive means for you to exercise. Exercise makes you feel better about yourself and helps reduce the tension that you are feeling.
Lastly, realize that this too shall pass. Most of the unemployed will eventually find another job. Some will start up their own companies. Others will decide to pursue their dreams in art, cooking, coaching and writing. Unemployment can be both a curse and a blessing. It's all in how you look at it. Make the best of the situation by following the above tips.
