Maintaining Mental Fitness During Unemployment
Getting through unemployment can be trying.
Not knowing how long you’ll be without income, difficulty finding any jobs you’re interested in, and the uncertainty of getting a call back makes it difficult to relax.
While sites like LinkedIn are extremely useful in networking and finding quality job postings, I find it leads to jealousy. When I see someone’s promotion or accomplishment on my feed, it makes me think, “Here I am – unemployed with no progress in my job search.”
A 2013 Gallup poll reported 12.4% of unemployed Americans said they were depressed, versus 5.6% of Americans who felt depressed while fully employed. Although this poll didn’t answer the question of whether unemployment causes depression, I can at least know I’m not alone in this feeling.
I’m two months into my job search, and four months out of work. Here’s how I’m mentally preparing myself to navigate through this uncertain time.
1. Find a motivator.
Accountability is important during your job search. Updating a partner, close friend, or career coach on your progress will ensure that you stay disciplined as you look for your next opportunity.
Filing for unemployment benefits is also a great motivator. If you qualify, you’ll be required to apply to a certain number of jobs per week and maintain proof of your job contacts in order to receive your weekly benefit. Unemployment departments are also staffed with counselors and additional career resources to help you get back into the workforce ASAP.
2. Think about what you really want.
There are periods in life when you’ll have the time but not the money, and vice versa.
With unemployment being the former, why not take this moment to step back and re-evaluate your priorities?
Your career is in the midst of changing, so you might as well approach your job search with intention. When reading those job descriptions, make sure they align with what you need now and in the future.
3. Invest in yourself.
After spending your day on the job hunt, switch gears by upskilling on evenings and weekends. Find a free course to take on your preferred online learning platform. If you have the wiggle room, drop money on a certification course that you know will add value to your resume.
You can also keep your skills in practice by working on passion projects or lending your expertise to those in need on weekends.
4. View unemployment as resilience training.
It’s only natural for a lot of rejection to happen on the job hunt. Many companies are only looking to hire one person for a position. If you’re actively applying to jobs, you’ll encounter no’s and ghosts along the way.
Still, these are learning opportunities. Every cover letter you submit, and each interview you attend allows you to improve your pitch and your presentation skills.
5. Make time for self care.
The stress of unemployment can negatively affect your physical well being.
Stick to a daytime routine and get enough sleep. Check in with loved ones and close friends to let them know how you feel. Watch some amazingly bad TV – anything to help you recuperate and feel your best.
Remember that you are worthy – and as Broadway’s Avenue Q best puts it – it’s only for now.