I became unemployed on 1st November 2014 and I am going to start employment again on the 26th January 2015. I have been actively seeking work for this entire time, I have also been actively crying most days, eating my own body weight in Nutella, watching Netflix for unhealthy amounts of time, seeing how many crisps I can fit in my mouth (half a pack) and researching how to sell used underwear online. This was not how I envisioned spending my early twenties. In brief, I left my last job because I hated it. Leaving a job before having another one to go to was not one of my finest moments, but for those who know me, it was also not my worst. Now I have a job again I figure I can finally write some advice about getting through this little hiccup that so many of us face.
It's very easy to become disheartened when you can't find work, you have no money and you're forced to move back home and be woken up each night by your cats who you suspect have given you fleas. So here are my five steps to keep positive when you're unemployed...
Step one
Being unemployed means you have little to no money HOWEVER you have lot's of time. Time is extremely valuable, more so than money. (Not really but I'm just trying to make you feel better) With time you can do a lot, such as learn new skills. You may already have a plethora of skills, a super duper fancy degree, but why not have more! Learning is a great way to keep positive, active, and it wont damage your CV. Before I quit my job to become a free spirit (I may have came up with this idea during my visit to Amsterdam) I attended a two day life coaching course. People laughed at me and compared me to Jeremy off Peep Show but it was honestly one of the best things I've done. I was learning new skills meaning I had more options in life. Since then and since quitting my job I have purchased a diploma in CBT, something I went through and that helped me greatly with my depression and a course in children's writing. I am the next Roald Dahl. Such courses are always popping up on Groupon so keep a look out and do something wise with your new found time and who knows, it may find you a new career and broaden your options!
Step two
Know what you're entitled to. I quit my job so I wasn't entitled to a lot. Neither did I want it because I had my credit card and overdraft so I was really organised with my finances. I've met so many millennials that are unemployed and seeking work but don't claim JSA because they're too ashamed. Don't feel bad about having to do this, it's what it's there for and if you need it you need it. You're not going to get a job if you cant fund yourself to get to the interview. Also, internships, eurgh. Please do not undertake an unpaid internship longer than three months. There are many laws around this now and although it's good for you CV, it is not good for your finances and doesn't always guarantee you a job. Look for internships through legit websites such as gothinkbig, media muppet, the guardian etc.
Step three
Stay social. I know this sounds silly because you're meant to be spending all your time job hunting, but this post is about remaining positive and I couldn't have done that without the help of my friends. Do free things! Go to each others houses, feed the ducks, go for runs together, go for one drink and just give yourself a break and let some kind and positive words lift you. Encouragement from friends can do the world of good!
Step four
Launch YO SELF. Never undersell yourself, know your worth and be confident. It's very easy to not apply for something because you think you're not good enough but do it anyway. It's best to just throw yourself in the deep end. If you're struggling with this just try and think of a time you thought you could never do something but you ended up doing it and doing it well. Draw on past successes in order to feel proud about what you've done so far in order to push yourself into going forward.
Step Five
Get a routine. Don't lay in bed all day applying for jobs on your lap. Get up, have your breakfast and do it at a table. Not having a routine can sometimes make you a bit lazy and often feeling fed up and down. Just because you don't have a job doesn't mean you don't have to set an alarm. Plus when you suddenly do start working again you will struggle if you've been having 4 naps a day. A positive mind frame is helped by keeping active!
So, I hope this can be of service for these shitty unemployment woes. Don't let unemployment damage your sass, get out there and do your thang. It's bloody horrid not having an income and feeling worthless but just remember, it WILL happen, sometimes things just take more time.
GOOD LUCK and stay happy. ( I kinda got carried away when looking for just one peep show picture soz)
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