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8/3/2019 10 Ways to Beat the Job
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10 Ways To Beat The Job-Search Blues
A recent survey of jobless Americans confirms what any unemployed person already knows: being
out of work is depressing verydepressing. More than half of the 445 people surveyed between Oct.
19 and 25 in The NewYork Times/CBS News poll said that they had experienced emotional or
mental health problems like anxiety or depression because of their lack of work, and nearly half said
that they had felt embarrassed or ashamed not to have jobs,The New York Times reports. Duh.
The only surprise is that the numbers arent higher. Unemployment stands stubbornly at 9.1%.
Nearly 45% of the unemployed have been out of work for six months or longer. The average period ofunemployment is 40.5 weeks the highest it has been since 1948, when the U.S. started tracking
these numbers. That means you may need to live with unemployment for an extended period.
Being down in the dumps can lead to a vicious cycle for job-hunters. Potential employers look for
energy and enthusiasm, just as you find them in short supply. So the worse you feel, the more it hurts
your chances of promptly finding something new.
At times like this, you need every available resource and coping mechanism. Based on interviews
with career coaches and recent e-mails both from experts and job-hunters Ive compiled the
following list. Some are reminders of whats always been good advice. Others are more creative. Add
yours in the comment space below this story, or send them to me by e-mail [email protected]. Join a support group. Dont assume youd be mingling with a bunch of out-of-work losers.
Many job hunters have found these groups a valuable source of contacts, encouragement and new
ideas. One says she polished her public speaking skills by participating in her groups program and
networking committee.
Ann Wright, a career coach in New York who has led these groups for outplacement firms, starts
each meeting by going around the room and asking everyone to share some good news. It encourages
people in their own efforts, and gets them to applaud the successes of others. It can also lead to
spontaneous networking, she says.
If your severance package includes outplacement help, you may have access to a professionally-led
group. Otherwise, check for groups that have formed within your community for example at thepublic library, local YMCA or at a house of worship.
2. Volunteer for a non-profit.Working for nothing when youre accustomed to a salary may
seem demeaning, but volunteering has benefits you cant quantify. Apart from the good feeling you
get by helping an organization that you believe then, its a chance to network, keep your skills active,
and build a reputation that can lead to your next job. Rather than helping out from home, find work
that forces you to get out of the house and be with others.
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3. Project optimism (even if you have to fake it). Its natural for people to shy away from
those who are chronically downbeat. So while youre out of work, convey a sense of optimism and
energy it will reflect back at you from the people you talk with, says Wright. For example, when
you tell contacts what youve been doing, you could say, Ive had a few networking meetings, and
meanwhile Ive been volunteering. Im really enjoying using my skills in helping an organization
whose mission I respect.4. Take stock of your professional achievements.You dont lose your human capital when
you lose your job. Suppose you had an hour to catch up with a colleague who you hadnt seen in 10 or
20 years. What highlights would you share? You may be surprised at how much you have
accomplished, in terms of acquiring new skills, building a portfolio or boosting your companys
bottom line.
When we are caught up in a daily work routine, we dont have time for this kind of reflection. And
losing a job can be so demoralizing that past achievements fade into the background. Thinking about
all youve done will not only boost your spirits it will also give you new material to include as you
update your resume.
5. Check how many people have viewed your profile on LinkedIn.Rochelle Levin, who waslaid off from her job as corporate librarian at Alcatel-Lucent in June, writes: I found having my
profile viewed has been a great morale booster. I see how many people proactively viewed my
profileseveral of whom I do not know. Levin, who is now working part-time as a librarian at a
public library in Butler, N.J., adds: This has led me to believe my profile. . .is on the right track and I
will land that full-time permanent position.
6. Make a list of the things you are thankful for. Im talking about personal stuff here. Work
isnt everything. Unfortunately, we tend to take the constants for granted whether its good health,
a stable marriage, happy kids or dear old friends.
7. Curb bad habits.If youre prone to binge eating, smoking, excess alcohol consumption orsubstance abuse, the stress of being unemployed puts you at risk of a relapse.
8. Build a virtual board of directors.At other stages in your career you might have had a
mentor. Now regular contact with people whom you trust can give you a sounding board for new
ideas, help you avoid procrastination,and get you back on track when you have veered off course.Staff
Many entrepreneurs build such a team of advisersdepending on the type of company, it might
consist of experts in their line of work, a lawyer and an accountant. You can benefit from the same
process during a career transition, says Kaycee W. Krysty, president emerita of the wealth advisory
firm Laird Norton Tyee in Seattle. Your team might include: a former boss; a colleague whom you
trust, or an old friend who understands your strengths and weaknesses.
9. Schedule personal time. Job hunters are often told to stick to a routine and manage their time
as if they were still working
with time spent networking, using social media and prowling job-search sites, for example. Make sure the agenda includes taking care of yourself (perhaps by
exercising, preparing healthy foods or going to the doctor), recreating with family and friends and
doing activities that you enjoy, Wright advises. Being out of work can be an out-of-control sensation.
Choosing to do certain things (rather than being requiredto do them) combats that feeling of
powerlessness.
10. Create a safety net. While you are projecting an upbeat professional persona, you also need
people who you can relax with so you are not always on. Immediate family members are the
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likeliest place to turn. If you dont have any or they are not able to help, look for friendswho can play
this role. But do keep in mind that even the people who love you most may tire of persistent
hopelessness. So be selective when you recount your current events. Its best to lean on them during
the darkest moments, rather than sharing every up and down.