In the current economic climate, thousands of people are suddenly finding themselves in a situation that they thought they would never experience. Unemployment can hit anyone at any time. No matter how qualified you are, how much experience you have or how dedicated you have been to your work, surprises can happen.
In addition to the inevitable loss of income, the loss of a defined role, a routine and self-esteem can hit people far more than they would have anticipated.
So what can you do if you find yourself suddenly without work? With so many people going for each job, is it even worth applying? And how do you plan your day and cope with the sudden change in routine?
Here are a few pointers to help:
1. Establish a Routine
Yes, you have lost one routine but that doesn't mean to say you can not replace it with another. One of the biggest mistakes that people can make is to spend every waking hour looking for work and then every sleeping hour staring at the ceiling worrying about the job that has not materialised.
Keep to the same routine you had when you worked but use the hours you used to be at work to look for another one. Then take the evening or weekends off to continue to build family relationships, to de-stress and to think. It is important that you remain healthy and ready for the interview that could come at any time so don't over-do things. Do not feel guilty about taking time off - rest is very important to your physical and mental well-being and you will be able to approach a new role with far more energy and vigour if you are fresh and rested.
2. Budget
Your finances may be seriously impacted by a change in circumstance so look honestly at what is coming in and what you need to spend. If you are entitled to benefits of any kind, accept them. There is no shame in that. It is what it is there for - to help hard-working people manage until they can get a new role in which they will pay taxes and contribute towards helping others.
If your income is less than your expenses see what you can cut back on. Can you cook more meals from scratch with cheap market ingredients rather than buy ready-meals from a high-end supermarket? Do you still need your car? It is often better to sell the car and then if you find you need another one later buy a cheaper one.
3. Communicate
It is vital that you share the reality of your situation with your friends and family. Don't try and hide it. Your immediate family can make practical inroads to helping you by cutting back on expenditure, looking out for jobs, proof-reading your CV and many other things that will support you. Handled properly this type of event can bring famlies closer together as they realise that each member has a positive role in helping to get through this time.
4. Shape Your CV
A CV simply outlines what you can bring to a new employer. It is the first thing they will see about you and it needs to stand out over and above the others that are also being read. Never create one CV and send it to any employer. Look carefully at exactly what is required in the job you are applying for and tailor your CV accordingly. Sometimes just changing a few words can make all the difference and if you can mirror the words in the job description that will help the recruiter to quickly see you are an ideal candidate.
5. New Opportunities
Just because you have always had a particular type of job, that does not mean that you can only apply for similar ones. This is a time for a new opening and asking yourself what you really want to do may surprise you. How about starting your own business? Or taking on two or three part-time jobs instead of one full-time one? Maybe you could move house, deposit some of the proceeds into a savings accout and then take the lower paid job you enjoy rather than the higher paid one you disliked? All things are possible and the only person setting boundaries is yourself.
6. Pray
Throughout all of the above, pray. Even if you are not a Christian, it is okay to ask God to help you. But don't ask and then forget it. Look out for the answer. It will come but it may come in a way that surprises you. We will gladly pray for you too and if you would like us to do that please
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