Looking for work and coming up empty handed takes a major toll on the ego and it’s easy to let low self-esteem and a slow job market bring your down.
It doesn’t take long to fall into a slump, leaving you wondering if you’ll ever find work again.
When you’re feeling sorry for yourself because you’re between jobs, try these techniques to stay positive and focused on finding the next great opportunity:
Stay in the Know
Reading the news and keeping up with current events makes you feel involved in the community and in what’s going on in the world.
You might not be getting your news from the gang at the water cooler right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up on your own.
Staying current not only makes you feel more knowledgeable, but it will be a big asset when you’re interviewing for a hot new position.
Catch Up on Your Reading
Put down the remote and spend your time on the couch in a productive way.
Reading anything from business books to classic novels to the latest bestsellers makes you well-versed in a number of subjects that you can use to your advantage in your next job interview.
Take a Class
Make the most of this time by taking a class in a skill you need to improve on or something you’ve always wanted to learn.
Try your hand at bookkeeping, take a public speaking class, or learn to code.
A business-related class keeps your mind sharp and is a productive use of your time.
Volunteer
This is another activity that is important for your personal and career development.
Pick a cause that you’re passionate about and get involved.
It looks fantastic on your resume and makes you feel great about how you’re spending your time.
Network
Talking to people makes you feel less alone and lets you keep one foot in the workforce pool.
Talk to people you’ve worked with over the years, or reach out to your friends.
Having other people to talk to can give you a sense of motivation and help you feel like you can relate to others.
Looking to change industries? Now is a great time to find out about local networking events or conferences that you can attend.
Get Physically Active
Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and feel better about yourself.
Feeling good physically is a great way to boost how you feel about yourself overall.
Being unemployed isn’t the end of the world, even though it can often feel like it.
Put a positive spin on your situation by taking charge and trying these simple suggestions for developing your personal and career goals, with each one putting you one step closer to landing your dream job.
