As we slowly climb out of the Great Recession, more people are getting hired each day and it's an excellent trend that we all hope continues. But honestly, why was it called "The Great Recession" anyway? That phrase is the biggest oxymoron I have heard in a long time because there was nothing great about it.
Although I usually share career advice, I think it's also important to discuss what to do if you lose your job because as Forrest Gump says, "%$&# happens!" So how do you stay motivated when you are unemployed? Losing your job when you have done everything "right" to be gainfully employed is beyond difficult. What can you do to take advantage of the time off you didn't want?
Here are some ideas to help you through unemployment:
1. Go back to school if you can swing it. Secure grants and scholarships and go for it. There are a lot of options online and in the classroom to choose from. Grandma Moses painted well into her 90's. It's never too late to follow your dreams. Period.
2. Sign up for networking groups so you can meet people going through the same thing and you can all help each other. For example, Charlotte Works is one here in Charlotte that helps people write resumes and give career advice. It's free and helps you get up in the morning to go to career seminars. Go to pink slip parties where unemployed people gather and network to find jobs. My dad is the best networker I know and nothing is wrong with asking family and friends who they know. Use all your resources. So, go out and network galore.
3. Volunteer for causes you believe in. You also meet people and most importantly help society. Can't hurt to put it on your résumé during "job transition".
4. Work out. I am the first person who admits to binge watching "Sex and the City" while laying on the couch, but it won't help you. Go and walk around your neighborhood so you get those endorphins going. Any type of happy chemicals that your brain can produce during this scary time, is a major plus. No need to spend money on a gym or exercise classes, just moving will help you feel better.
5. If you aren't on social media, join. I don't mean stalking your exes on Facebook, but rather updating your LinkedIn page and joining groups to help you find a job. Twitter, Google+, Yammer, Instagram, etc. all can help.
6. If you have some extra money saved up, travel. Go visit family and friends. Travel to other countries. While gaining new cultural perspectives in different parts of the world, it will expand your sphere of influence. For example, my friend lost her Entertainment PR job in Los Angeles and decided to move to Europe and travel throughout. She spent time traveling and networking and ended up getting a better PR job in Germany where she always wanted to live.
7. Try a new career or take courses to see if a new one is for you. See #1.
8. Finish that Dostoyevsky novel. It no longer has to be a door stop. Seriously, when will you have time to read that novel in the future?
I hope these tips help if you find yourself in a job quandary. Although it might seem like the end of the world, it might just be the beginning of a new one.
No comments:
Post a Comment