Ditch the Gloom: Keeping Your Head Up in Bad Times
March 10, 2009 (10:00AM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
.JPG "Keep Smiling") The job market news of late is enough to make you stay in bed with the covers pulled over you — especially if you don't have a job. It can challenge even the most optimistic of people.
But dwelling on the negative leads to — well — nothing. Just plain old inaction. And when has doing nothing been effective in improving your situation?
So, if the job market news has got you down, here are three things you can do to adjust your demeanor and help you bounce out of bed in the morning:
Screw the news! OK, the national unemployment rate is at its highest since late 1983. The stock market is at its lowest point since midway through the Clinton administration. And, employers expect to hire 22% fewer of today's college seniors than they actually hired from the Class of 2008. There! Done! Now put it all out of your head and when you see or hear something that you think is even worse, change the channel, chat up your friends online, or turn to the sports page.
Be a cheap S.O.B. – and learn to like it! Joblessness, or even the threat of it, will force you to re-examine your finances and look for ways to cut spending. So, play a little game: Consider how much money you think you spend, on average, during a given week. Now, put that amount (in cash) in your wallet on Monday morning, then consider spending it the way you would in a normal week (e.g., coffee, a pack of gum, a newspaper); you know, the little stuff. Got money left over at the end of the week? Put it in the bank and see how much you save after a month. (If you don't, soak in the reality check and work on a budget.) Remember:
- Saving money = Good!
- Spending money on things you don't really need = Bad!
- Spending money you haven't even earned yet = Part of how we got into this economic mess in the first place!
Do something, anything, that can move you toward a new job. Update your resume, scour the web for job openings, make contacts in (and out of) your network, research companies you'd like to work for. Record these activities on an "I did this today" list. At the end of the day, read it, and even if you did just one thing, feel good about what you accomplished before you crawl back into bed for another night's sleep. Then, go back at it again the next day.
What other ideas do you have to help job seekers adopt a more positive attitude today? Please share them below.
RELATED LINKS
What to Do When a Layoff is Lurking
Can't Get Hired? Consider Temp or Contract Work
Jobless? Sometimes You Gotta Leggo Your Ego
Another great way to stay ahead of the game is to find online social networks. The more people you know, the better! Take a look at http://alljobstoday.ning.com/.
Rick, Incredible Post! Been There, Done That, Got TWO t-Shirts...back in year 2000.
Experienced the "Wanna Stay In Bed and Pull Covers Over Head!" syndrome. Had to rely on the old NIKE commercial (adage): JUST DO IT!
Overall, one of the most difficult periods of my life. Piece of advice for all job seekers: 'Concentrate on placing one footstep in front of the other.' Sometimes, that's all you can do!
Great post, Rick! Lord knows I've been there and done that so many times I can't remember them all. After I manage to crawl out from under the covers and lick my wounds (often done while still under the covers), I just tell myself there is an opportunity out there with my name on it that I never would have gotten to if this hadn't happened. It may sound corny, but it's always been true for me. (One other piece of advice; buy extra comfy covers when they go on sale. ;-) )
Ronnie Ann
I was laid off last December and just accepted a job offer a few days ago. I was only laid off for 3 1/2 months, which is not bad considering today's job market. But during that time I fought and struggled and had to deal with the despair and issues of questionable self-worth and low self esteem. Whoa, incredibly dark places were visited daily.
But I did a few things to keep myself motivated and as upbeat as possible. I spent an average of seven hours per day looking for work so it was like beating a dead horse (or possum, if you'd rather) over and over.
The single most important thing I did was I had my alarm clock set and I got up and out of bed every morning at the same time just like I was going to work (searching for work, after all, IS work). I got up, took my shower as usual, had that cup of coffee and then launched back into the job search in my home office. I found that having the semblence of a normal morning before going to work really helped.
The other thing I did was while out of work I took the time to meet former colleaguges for lunch on occasion. This kept me connected to the outside world and served as a networking resource at the same time. It did me a lot of good to be able to communicate with other humans outside of my home. Not to mention the person I was meeting was also a spoke in my career networking hub!
There are a lot of hard, emotional things to deal with when you're out of work. But if you can keep some things constant or "normal" and keep interaction with humans in the mix, it can help until you finally, one day, have that blissful feeling of finding meaningful work again.
To all those still searching, keep your chin up and just keep plugging away. This mess will come to an end eventually and you'll get your day in the sun. I wish I could help each and every one who has the misfortune of being out of work. I'll think positive thoughts for you and pass some good karma your way.
I like the stuff I'm reading here: a strong message of keeping your head up, moving forward, and networking. Thanks for responding!
@ Ronnie Ann -- Buying covers when they go on sale? A small benefit in a down economy, or maybe a "down comforter in a down economy." :-)
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