The Corona virus has changed the world, in many ways, almost all ways.
Before there were unemployed people, yes, and I am sure most of them were unhappy about that. Most of them did what they could to try to find a job.
Then along comes this virus and practically the whole world shuts down, in no time. Travel, tourism, business meetings, free time activities, speaking engagement, counseling – everything shuts down in a moment. Some activities can go on online but so many businesses just closed – leaving a growing crowd of unemployed people.
We are talking about massive amounts of people, millions around the globe.
Being involuntary unemployed is an incredibly stressful situation. How will I get money for the rent, for food, for my children?
Being involuntary unemployed is also degrading on your self-esteem. You feel less worth and your negative thought take over and you start getting anxiety, get depressed.
I can’t help you get a new job but I can give you 5 Tips to work with and ponder about when you are in this tough situation.
1.You are valuable:
Remind yourself that your identity is built on who you are, not on what you do. It is about your personality, your strengths, talents, and values. They are still there even if you are out of work. Maybe you can use another word than unemployed? You can say you are between two challenges, or between jobs. Find something that feels right for you. Keep your head high whatever you call it. You are still as valuable as before.
2.Take responsibility:
It is okay to have a bad day but do what you can to avoid getting stuck in the victim role. Maybe you think it someone else’s fault you are in this situation, and probably it is not really your fault. BUT the more responsibility you take for your own situation, whoever or whatever to blame, the more constructive solutions you will come up with. Get a small notebook where you note all small steps forward you do in your search for a new job and note all the personal good experiences you make. Take a break from the job hunt when you get tired. Do something that gives you energy for a short while. To look for a new job is equivalent to doing a job, so it is alright with those breaks, no need to feel bad about it. Physical activity, like brisk walks, is something that will generate energy for you and can be used particularly when it feels at its hardest.
3.What is your focus:
Reflect on who you are, what you want and what kind of job you are looking for. I know you cannot be very selective now when so many compete for the same jobs. But if you have a choice, go for jobs you want. Also try new ways to look for a job. Maybe test a new platform you find on a google search. Dare to fail and try not to take a No personal, it probably is not, there are just too many folks searching. Also dare to ask for feedback from the people interviewing you. That can help you tweak something you do or say.
4.Find role models:
Who do you know that managed their unemployment and search for a new job in a good way? How did they do? What did they do? Mimic their recipe and take what feels right for you. Be inspired. Try to meet people in networks, maybe you need to find them online right now. Ask what others do, take support. You are not less than anyone else you are maybe just in different phases.
5.Get a mentor:
This is not always so easy to tackle by yourself. It can be good to find some form of sounding board who can help you see more constructively on your talents and who can keep you going in the right direction and not lose track. Find a career coach, a mentor, advisor, trainer who can ask these questions. Maybe there is a worker/union organization near you that can help. Investing in this in both time and money can pay off a lot in the long run. Maybe you end up in taking up on an education for a new track.
Take some time and reflect on my tips. I know they can be hard to follow because of the Corona situation. But the point here is that YOU must handle and care for this situation. The more you take responsibility, engage and learn and do, the better prepared will your brain be. You will start seeing things that were not going to show up if you carry the victim’s glasses on giving a narrowed view of the situation.
If you want more tips on how to start doing stress management work in successful leadership, get my free guide by clicking here.
To your success and keep smiling
