10 Ways To Make It Through Unemployment
10 Ways To Make It Through Unemployment. It is one of the most difficult situations one can find themselves in. Unemployment can lead to huge debts, financial constraints, depressions and a whole lot more of unpleasant things. The following tips can help you survive until your next job.
1. Have A Budget
List necessities such as rent, groceries, insurance, and utilities. Also list expenses that are important but non-essential. These might include DStv, eating out and any from of entertainment. Add up the amount you spend on necessities and add it to the amount you spend on non-essentials. This number represents your current monthly expenses.
2. Prioritize On Your Spending
Starting with your non-essentials category, find areas where you can cut back on your spending. For example, you might decide to forgo eating out during your unemployment, or you might decide to cancel your cable TV subscription. Cut out as many expenses are you can manage.
3. Learn New Skills
If you want to develop new skills, unemployment is a good time to consider going back to school. Think about what kind of jobs you want and choose a program that will give you the skills you need to get hired. You can also look for programs that are shorter-term and will help hone your skills.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to keep your skills sharp, learn new skills, meet new people, connect with the community, grow your network, and get more business exposure. Volunteering is also a great way to maintain your self-esteem and lift your spirits. Doing good feels good. It also gives you something to talk about when people ask you what you have been working on.
5. Go On A Job Hunt
You should treat finding a new job like a job in itself. Be proactive. Rather than limiting your job search to online applications and online job sites, spend time targeting employers you would like to work for. Set up information interviews and distribute your resumé to various employers. Follow up after applying for positions.
6. Connect With Your Network
Opportunities come from other people, so make sure everyone you know is aware that you are on the market. They don’t necessarily need to know details of your unemployment, but they do need to know you are looking for a new job. Cast your net wide. Take people to lunch or dinner, have drinks after work or coffee in the afternoon. Get out there and network.
7. Stay Positive
Don’t let yourself fall into despair. You have to force yourself to remain positive. Positive thinking brings about positive results. Your actions and attitude go where your thinking goes, so if you are depressed and grumpy all the time, that is how you will behave and appear to others. And that’s no good.
8. Work Out Daily
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers. Get at least thirty minutes of exercise every day. If you can engage in social exercise activities like group sports or a bike team, even better. You’ll get the benefits of exercise and the benefits of social interaction in one activity.
9. Take Care Of Yourself
Prioritize self-care and get adequate sleep. Sleep loss diminishes your ability to focus and contributes to feeling down. Eat regular meals. Do not skip breakfast. Breakfast provides your body with fuel to start off your day. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Drink lots of water.
10. Practice Gratitude And Maintain Hope
Keep a daily gratitude journal and write down three things you are grateful for every day. Express gratitude and appreciation to the people around you. Believe in yourself. And remember, there is light at the end of the job search tunnel.
