For most people, having a job or career is not only a way for them to earn enough money to survive, it’s also a part of their identity. Having a job you enjoy is good for the morale and self esteem. So what happens when you find yourself out of work and unable to find another job?
A lot of people find themselves out of work due to company downsizing, and it’s often hard to cope with the fact that you weren’t considered “necessary” in your workplace any more, especially when most of your colleagues are still working. That, in itself, can be a huge blow to the self esteem. You may find yourself constantly asking yourself why YOU lost your job, while so many others kept theirs. Weren’t you as good as they were? Maybe you were less likeable? You may find yourself asking the same questions over and over and feeling worse and worse for it.
Then, there’s the fact that you now have to present yourself at the unemployment office asking for money. For some people, turning up for their fortnightly unemployment payment is just a part of life, for others it’s a crushing symbol of their perceived uselessness and worthlessness.
Then there’s applying for job after job after job, some which are well beneath your old pay packet, and require far less competence or qualifications than you possess, and yet, you are knocked back time after time.
It’s no wonder that so many people really struggle with unemployment and the search for a job! The irony is, it’s very hard for someone who is depressed and lacking self esteem to get a job, because it’s so difficult to be upbeat and positive during the all important job interview.
So how do you remain positive during such a challenging time? The first step is to analyse why you are unemployed. Why did you lose your job? If your particular job role was cut, then it’s highly likely that the decision to let you go wasn’t personal and wasn’t a reflection of your competence. It can be easy to fall into the trap of wallowing in self-pity, but it’s vital that you don’t.
Start by taking out a piece of paper and writing down every thing you’re good at. Everyone has skills and talents, and sometimes you need to remind yourself of that. You also need to start getting more proactive looking for work. Instead of just applying for jobs listed in your local paper, hit the streets with a pile of CVs and go door knocking. Sure it’s difficult, but being out of work is harder!
Treat looking for work as a job. Don’t sleep in until midday and laze around in your pyjamas. Get out of bed at your usual hour, shower and dress yourself. Then start looking for work. Brush up your CV, even get professional help if you don’t think yours measures up. Whenever you get down, go and spend some time with good friends or loved ones who know how to cheer you up. Remember that persistence does pay off in the end and you will get another job.
Thank you, I enjoyed your insightfulness. One thing I woud add to this as you are very correct that people tend to identify themselves by their work. Work at not being defined by what you do but rathr who you are as a person. If you are seeking meanng through your life in your title or company association, remember, it is not a personal relationship that you have with the company. It’s a business relationship, that’s it. If you have a family, define yourself by how they hold you and regard you. Take compasion on somone with less and help them in anyway you can. Give of your self to organizations who will benifit from your skills. Soon you will find that there is a terrific person who is defined by who he is and not by his company position. You will acheive that esteem by serving others.
As the saying goes, Tough times don’t last, Tough people do.
Yes Bonnie. Most of us spent at least three quarters of our lives attached to our jobs and we became walking zombies when we lose them. Thanks for your insights too!
Best regards
Jenny
Very happy to read the article. I practice the same approach. Your article strengthens my will.
Good day,
I was laid off on 4/27 – and have managed to apply for new work and get interviews by indeed keeping a semi-normal work schedule M-F from 7AM – 4 PM in working my network and making new job connections.. However, I do have to post my opposition to your statement that even part of out “identity” is tied to our work. This il-advised concept alone probably is the single most cause of depression in those people who mistakenly identified who they were with what they do. If one cannot find something in the way of work within their current career line, they should be open to revert to past skills, or manage to learn some new ones. The object is moving the family financially forward. My suggestion would be if you cannot find work that will advance your career, then accept a job that will take care of the finances until things improve. There is absolutely no shame in that! Please do not make the mistake of thinking what you do, is any part of who you are. You are a creative and resourceful human being… We do what we have to do, because we are adaptable and know how to survive economic downturns and temporary reversals…
Have a really great day!
-Rick Gillette – Mesa, Arizona
Jenny
Thanks for the focus on staying positive during one’s job search. Taking time to combine new ideas, data and possibilities enables us to reflect, integrate, plan and envision our future. When we do not take this time, we make quick decisions that may not be to our best advantage. These snap decisions can detour us and affect our career, our satisfaction and, ultimately, our resilience. Read more @
http://www.chenofskysinger.com/index.php?learn-resiliency-in-face-of-career-hurdles-2
Best,
Lisa