How do you cope when unemployed?

[dhermann1]

Keep your chin up

I think the most insidious thing about being unemployed is that your self esteem can go down the toilet. You may keep a positive attitude most of the time, but every once in a while the frustration and uncertainty can hit you like a ton of bricks. It WILL happen. That's when friends can be very helpful. There are obviously a lot of people in the old FL who are very impressed with you. When you find that new position we'll all be envious.

 

[Jack Scorpion]

I figure we've got a lot in common, LD. Out of college life has been, thus far, a winding journey of unemployment, questionable employment, temporary employment, a couple lucky breaks and a couple unlucky breaks. Careers are difficult to begin.

I live with the knowledge that if I lose employment this week, I won't have enough for rent in two weeks. Every once in awhile, I'd score a good gig, something applicable to my career of choice and worthy of putting on my resume, but these breaks usually come at a cost. I keep falling back to basic 10/hr jobs. I don't have the time to sit and wait for a better job. Therefore, I don't see unemployment as any kind of opportunity.

To battle this, I spend time every week applying for better jobs whether I'm currently employed or not. One of these days I'll hook a decent gig and no longer have these worries. I just hope it happens within the next couple years, because I'm going nuts over here.

PS - great new avatar.

 

[rockyj]

So sorry to hear about you losing the job.

Yes, it is hard to deal with sometimes. There's this saying."The only thing worst then a bad job is No job!" However, in the the past I had lost both jobs I loved and hated. Try to use this time to learn new skills and keep busy. It'll take your mind off of your troubles and before you know it you'll be back at another. Best of lick to you

 

[Lady Day]

I figure we've got a lot in common, LD. Out of college life has been, thus far, a winding journey of unemployment, questionable employment, temporary employment, a couple lucky breaks and a couple unlucky breaks. Careers are difficult to begin.

I live with the knowledge that if I lose employment this week, I won't have enough for rent in two weeks. Every once in awhile, I'd score a good gig, something applicable to my career of choice and worthy of putting on my resume, but these breaks usually come at a cost. I keep falling back to basic 10/hr jobs. I don't have the time to sit and wait for a better job. Therefore, I don't see unemployment as any kind of opportunity.

To battle this, I spend time every week applying for better jobs whether I'm currently employed or not. One of these days I'll hook a decent gig and no longer have these worries. I just hope it happens within the next couple years, because I'm going nuts over here.

PS - great new avatar.

Wow, we must be living the same life.
Thanks, man.
LD

 

[GeniusInTheLamp]

As a contract paralegal, I've been in your shoes so often during these past 3 years, I'm starting to think they're mine. (As of this writing, I'm there now.)

I've dealt with my stretches of unemployment with sheer faith, optimism and determination. During my down time, I send out about 4-5 resumes per day. Even if I'm underqualified, I send them out; they may have a position down the road for someone with my level of experience. I also keep in touch with my agencies in the event that something opens up.

Just remember: No matter how tough the road ahead seems, there are better days ahead.

 

[Cousin Hepcat]

Yes, you heard it right, as of today I am jobless. Sigh. Other than panicking, how have you all coped with this unexpected situation?

Lady Day,

Sorry to hear the news, but I'm sure, as everyone else has already said, that you have it in you to stay focused & determined to look till you find your next gig! :eusa_clap

How did I cope? Being in the tech sector (till I can get take enough night class prerequisites to apply to grad school in the medical field), I found myself in the same situation during the big slump a few years back, out of work from Nortel Networks along with Tens of Thousands of others. Tech jobs were IMPOSSIBLE to find; weak market, and hundreds of applicants for each opening.

During the interim, between constantly hitting the pavement interviewing for even government tech jobs at a small fraction of Nortel pay, I stayed sane (& bought groceries) by going downtown and filing paperwork to start my own home-based business. I did something I like: restoring old record players, which were becoming "trendy" again. (here's an old pic I had on my site, with part of the inventory)

Also, had fun editing some old classic 1930s-50s light-up jukebox footage into a video & designing & printing the cases, which actually sold a few hundred copies- helped out a little:

I guess the only thing I could add to what's already been said is, if you want to break up the time you spend doggedly seeking out the next gig, and/or at subway, then if you have any kind of "artsy craftsy" stuff you like to make or to repair for fun (sewing?), that is a "hot item" and you know the ebay market & prices Really Well for that item, you can try selling stuff online as a sideline (**start out small** without investing a lot in it).

Good luck, keep us posted, and be sure & ask us for ideas anytime you feel your back is up against the wall, that's what can make places like the Lounge most worthwhile!

- C H

 

[Kim_B]

Lady Day,

I have no advice or words of wisdom, but I'll send my good vibes your way! Hang in there, girl!

 

[ITG]

I'm about to join you but I'm going to be quitting voluntarily in 5 weeks and doing a career change. Maybe we can drink coffee and AIM each other (hopefully though you'll have found a job by then for the sake of the ole bank account)...AIMing maybe is not the most productive thing to do in a job search but we have some fun chatting in the mean time. Yes, hang in there.

 

[Lincsong]

Keep positive and stay upbeat. Don't let it get you down.

 

[Pilgrim]

The last time I lost a job was some time ago, but the first thing I did was to file for unemployment compensation - if it's there, then use it.

Next thing I did was to start applying for jobs. I hit the pavement and started working my way up and down the street. At that time, my immediate goal was to get ANY job so that I could have bucks coming in while searching for a good job.

IIRC, I had to report weekly to the unemployment office with a record of jobs I had applied for. What floored them was that I showed up the next week and asked what to do when the forms only had room to report about five job applications.

The lady in the office asked me how many places I had applied that week, and I said "About 40". She was stunned. I said to her something like: "Look I really WANT a job. I'm working at it."

I don't think anyone had ever said anything like that to her before.

I remember something my dad told me years ago:

"The best time to job-hunt is when you're in a position of strength.
And a position of strength is defined as already having a job."

So I'm all for hitting the bricks and getting resumes out, but don't shotgun resumes - make sure that your cover letter and resumne actually relate directly to the job.

I wish you the best!!

 

[Lady Day]

I'm about to join you but I'm going to be quitting voluntarily in 5 weeks and doing a career change. Maybe we can drink coffee and AIM each other (hopefully though you'll have found a job by then for the sake of the ole bank account)...AIMing maybe is not the most productive thing to do in a job search but we have some fun chatting in the mean time. Yes, hang in there.

HAHAHA Awesome, Ill keep my cup of java ready!

LD

and thanks for the advice guys and gals.

 

[MrNewportCustom]

Fortunate

I've been lucky, I guess. I've never been umemployed more than a week since my first job. I've never been fired from a job, but I was laid-off once when a company went under. I'm currently looking for a new job - money is the only object. If I get the job I want, it'll be a six dollar an hour raise just to lengthen my commute a few miles. It'll max out at nearly twice what I'm making now. Benefits will either be the same or even better.

Cross your fingers!

Lee
_________________

"The only way to get the job done is to get up and do it."

 

[pretty faythe]

I set back and enjoy it until I get the dreaded phone call that takes me back to work if I am on will-call, or sit back and relax until I hear a call that I want on the job hot line. Ahhhhh, the joys of union! Can ya tell, I am on will call right now, home alone no one annoying me, except for the animals.

 

[jake_fink]

Sometimes change is good. Paying the rent is nice, but sometimes it's so nice you stay put when your heart's not in it. You seem to be in the right headspace. You're talented and you'll find work. For now you can do what you want to do, and do a little networking.

Good luck.