So things didn’t turn out like you’d hope and now you’re unemployed.
It’s Ok. You’ll survive. All you need to do is follow a few reminders and guidelines.
10 Tips for life in the Unemployment Line
Do Not Panic
This may be the toughest tip on the list but it’s also the most important. You cannot panic if you lose your job. Your “work” becomes solving the problem of unemployment —- So get to work. Nothing good can happen if you make a rash decision like going out and selling your dead bird to a blind kid just to make a couple bucks.
Reflect on the situation
How did this happen? How prepared were you going in? What can you do to protect yourself in the future? Are your skills still marketable or is this a warning sign of trouble? Now is a good time to take stock of your situation from all angles and determine where you can improve and build robustness into your career.
Don’t place blame on others for the situation
Maybe your boss was just looking for a reason to dump you. Maybe you let yourself become redundant or replaceable. Whatever reason you ultimately land on, it’s not going to change things now so spending time blaming others just takes energy away from building a solution.
Travel (if you can)
You have been given the gift of time. Don’t squander it. If possible, go out and experience an adventure you’ve been putting off. Take the long way home. Stop and smell the roses. What else are you going to do? You’re unemployed.
It’s not all about you
Remember to continue giving your spouse the positive attention and praise they deserve. They have to put up with the situation as well so being grouchy or distant or irritable will not help get through it.
Work with creditors to form a plan
Most creditors are willing to work with you during a rough patch if you’ve been up to date on bills and payments. They want to keep getting paid after all. Look at any deferment or economic hardship programs to help conserve cash until you are up and running again.
Ask for help if you need it
It’s OK to ask for help if you need it. Networking for a new job or just getting feedback on a resume can help and most people want to help you. You never know what is around the corner if you ask.
Don’t waste money.
Now is probably not the time to buy that new Jet ski or refinish the master bathroom. Prioritize the needs versus wants during this period but don’t go overboard either. Draconian home budget cuts and freezing every nickel and dime will just make you feel worse about the situation.
Don’t sit around drinking and smoking all day
You may get bored. You may get depressed. You may even take up some weird hobby like writing a weekly newsletter no one reads, but do not waste the day cracking open a beer at 10AM to watch the The Price Is Right. Find some activity or project to keep you going.
Continue getting sleep and exercise
Making sure to get proper sleep and exercise is always important but it’s especially so when you’re out of work. Sleep and exercise help build daily routine. It helps avoids depression and boredom. It helps create a sense of momentum and positive gains in life. Best of all, It’s free!
Check out next week where we talk about the future of things in Job Land.
Thoughts? Questions? Comments?
Reach out! Maybe I’ll do a full post on the topic or as a Q&A
traderdads@substack.com