Facing a job loss can be a devastating experience. Not only are the jobless dealing with financial issues while trying to establish new health insurance but family members are likely feeling the stress of the situation as well. Once these important factors are given the time and attention they deserve, and that includes applying for unemployment benefits if eligible, and after the resume has been updated and mailed to any prospective employers, individuals should take some time to revisit the things they enjoyed before becoming a parent, or a spouse, or a person with full-time employment status.
Reconnect With Friends and Family
Often, during the chaos of the day to day existence, efforts to stay in contact with close friends and even family falls to the wayside. In the age of communication, via technology, the majority of the population seems to spend too much time texting and e-mailing when what they should be doing is making phone calls and setting lunch or dinner dates.
Face to face contact is important and hearing the voice of a sibling or best friend, something that is important right now, has become a thing of the past. Individuals should use this time to reestablish those bonds and find the emotional support that is needed. Studies show that a large percentage of jobs are attained through networking, i.e., word of mouth. Job seekers may just find yet another job prospect, straight from the mouth of a close friends.
Hobbies and Career Goals
Not only is it easy to get lost in the routine of going to work for 8 hours a day, only to come home and clean the house, do the laundry and help with homework, but passions and interests take a backseat as well. Now is the perfect time to dig out the paint brushes or knitting needles, or dust off that circular saw. Not only is satisfaction found in the act of creating something with from nothing, but there just might be inspiration to turn a favorite hobby into a potential for income.
It's only natural to take a step back and seriously consider whether or not that hobby could go from a passing interest to a serious, full-time venture. There may not be another opportunity to completely start over, so giving those casual interests or the "maybe someday" ideas some serious consideration should be at the top of the "to do" list right now. It just might be the chance to turn a loss into an unexpectedly huge gain.
Volunteer
Not only does newly found free time provide the opportunity to give back and likely help people who may very well be in the same situation, but volunteer work looks great on a resume. This is yet another opportunity to network as well.
Tackle the "Honey-Do" List
Everyone has a list of items that have been accumulating in the hopes of being crossed off someday, when that chunk of lost time is finally found. So cleaning those gutters, organizing the garage, getting caught up on the laundry and de-cluttering at the same time by donating anything that hasn't been worn in at least 6 months to charity, can help minimize stress. Taking care of some of the items that have been neglected will help someone who may be feeling lost, feel productive, giving them a sense of accomplishment which is likely something they are lacking since leaving the workforce.
Job seekers should continue to send out those resumes, as often that is a requirement for receiving unemployment benefits, but shouldn't ignore any non-traditional opportunities that might be staring them in the face and more importantly, shouldn't be afraid to consider the things they've always dreamed of doing, as possible job opportunities. Spending time with friends and family and taking a moment to enjoy the things that were once loved but somehow fell out of focus over the years, is the perfect way for anyone going through a job loss to take care of themselves emotionally, an important factor that is often overlooked.
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