We work not only to provide for our families, but also to fulfill a sense of purpose. Facing unemployment can be devastating financially as well as personally. Take a look at the following steps designed to help you survive unemployment.
1.Don’t beat yourself up.
In most cases, unemployment is not the result of any personal failing. Many good, hard-working people find themselves facing unemployment at some point in their career. Rather than beat yourself up, take an objective look at your situation. For example, are you employed by a dying industry, are you the victim of a merger, do you need to continue or advance your education? Understanding the circumstances that brought you to unemployment can help you evaluate your next best move.
2.Take a look at your budget
If you have any money saved you will need to take a look at your expenses to determine what you can pay and how long your money will last. You will also need to place calls to all of your creditors to make arrangements for payments that you can comfortably afford.
3.Cast a wide net in your job search
Don’t limit your search to the local paper. You should also visit job fairs and network by talking with friends and contacts in your field.
4.Make an inventory of your skills and interests
There are few better times to strike out in a new direction than when facing unemployment. Taking inventory of your skills and interests can help you broaden your job search and increase your chances of finding suitable employment.
5.Get out of the house
When facing unemployment some people embark immediately on a job search. Others lock themselves inside and wallow in self-pity. Of course being unemployed can be frightening, even devastating. If you need time to lick your wounds set a deadline for ending the pity party and beginning your job search.
6.Be realistic
Understand that it may take some time to find another job. Depending on your age and field you may be searching for 12 months or more. Don’t let that discourage you. While you are searching, consider a flexible, part-time job that leaves you available for interviews and gives you some income.
7.Cut back
Don’t decide that because you don’t have enough to make ends meet that you should abandon your budget altogether anyway. Surviving unemployment means that you will have to make some temporary sacrifices, many of them very deep. Remind yourself that you will come through this period with time, discipline and patience.
8.Enjoy this time
Perhaps it sounds silly to talk about enjoying your time of unemployment, particularly when the bills are piling up, but you can. Being unemployed can give you time that you didn’t have before to pursue a hobby and strengthen relationships with your loved ones. Volunteer at your child’s school or make it to their afternoon games.
Surviving unemployment is a matter of planning, flexibility and attitude. Although it can be very stressful you may find that the experience leads you on a new path in terms of money management, job satisfaction and familial relationships that was not available to you before.