Hi, I’ve thought about you a lot since I heard you lost your job, but hesitated to send advice, worried that I might come across as a know-it-all. And yet… having run Unemploymentville for over 5 years now, I do have some ideas that might help you. Know that these suggestions are my ‘two cents’, take them or leave them, and we’re still friends either way. First, about mindset: Some people are thinking it’s futile to look for a job…
I prefer to look at it as deliberately not bothering to participate in capitalism rather than saying, “I’m unemployed”. It makes me feel like I’ve got a measure of agency in the fact that I’ve not had a “real” job in about five years. I had lost my last “real” job like so many others, ultimately because of an awful sleep disorder that at times is a mild inconvenience and at others a living hell with a combination of the…
Unemployment is hard enough during most of the year, but suddenly you blink and a whirlwind of Christmas lights and decorations seem to have taken over the world. Yes, it’s that time of year again, with the ho-ho-ho, Christmas songs on every radio station and most people being jolly. Stores are packed with shoppers spending left and right, and the world takes on this whole other identity as we celebrate “peace on earth and goodwill toward men”. It’s not always…
Here are 3 simple steps I recommend if you’ve lost a job. Step 1) Write 3 to 5 Qualities Where You Shine (that have some value in workplace). Be honest with yourself. This is not a time to be modest. This isn’t a time to worry about what someone else will think if they see the list you make. There are some traits, some talents that you have that not everyone does. Write those down. My list: – Smart –…
If you are out-of-work, I recommend you find a ‘silver lining’ to your situation. In particular, find something you wouldn’t be able to do if you are working full-time. Make it as specific as possible and something that brings you Joy. Better still if it can also be something that brings you a sense of Pride. Here are some examples of silver linings: Notice that the examples on the right are all items that you can tell whether you have…
It can be difficult to take care of your physical and mental health during a period of unemployment. It’s a time when your self-esteem can be very fragile, making it difficult to motivate yourself to do even the simplest of tasks. However, if you take some steps to improve your well-being, you’ll increase your chances of being offered a new job. Here are some easy ways to take care of yourself during this time of uncertainty and vulnerability. Set Yourself…
Where are you living now? Well, I have resided in Ocala, FL for the last several years. I came up here from Polk County, FL in the summer of 2011. Because after 10+ years in Retailing and nearly 20 years in the Cosmetology industry, the nationwide recession had my options for work falling through. Disaster relief after a few quite strong hurricane seasons also had come kind of slow. Cosmetology was my passion, but although I was great at creating,…
I graduated from a well-ranked liberal-arts college and thought finding work would be… a cinch! I had majored in business—often touted as one of the most employable degrees—had a high GPA and sported a long list of scholarships and merit awards. There was no shortage of professors and former supervisors eager to give me glowing recommendations or references wherever needed. Best of all, I’d worked 9 internships, which was a ton of experience for a college graduate. People said that…
Spouses of military members have unique challenges when it comes to finding employment. The unemployment rate for military spouses is reported to be nearly twice the rate for the overall U.S. population between 18 and 65. Combine this with higher rates of depression, alcohol abuse and divorce than their counterparts, and it can sometimes seem as if the military spouse is the one fighting a war. But there is hope! I am one of these military spouses, and I spent…
Is it OK to take a Career Detour? In today’s market, many people are challenged with making abrupt and unexpected changes in their chosen career path. We’ve all heard the recommendation, “use your existing network to get leads.” But … what happens if your path is obstructed for an indefinite period of time and these gaps are reflected in your resume? Is a career detour worth considering? I reflected on the route my hubby, Rolly, navigated when having to…