Finding Support for the Unemployed
Those Who Have Lost Jobs During this Recession are Not Alone
The statistics pointing to hundreds of thousands of jobs lost only hint at the human suffering behind them. Human ways to deal with the crisis can mitigate the pain.
Job Loss and Grief
For those who have lost their jobs, getting the pink slip at work is a devastating loss. People who live paycheck to paycheck are especially hard hit by a sudden loss of income. They worry about how to make their next rent payment or where they're going to find the money to buy food. More to the point, their self-esteem takes a nose dive. According to a story from The Cope Library, losing self-esteem isn't the only problem. The newly unemployed lose their morning routines, their sense of security and predictability. The Cope Library story points to a multi-pronged process whereby the unemployed learn to deal with the immediate short-term and the long-term needs that result from losing a job. A W-edge Design story mentioned some of the stages of grief that the newly unemployed go through: Shock, denial, anger, depression and finally, acceptance. Take the time to deal with these feelings constructively.
Moving On
Beyond simply sending resumes and scoring interviews, the unemployed also must move on from losing their jobs. This involves a number of things. One, find a daily routine. The W-edge story points to establishing a new daily routine as essential in helping someone maintain a sense of purpose. Another element is establishing a network. Go to your local one-stop career center. Attend workshops, meet other people facing a similar situation and take advantage of their resources. Network with people who can either help you find another job or who can at least provide a sympathetic ear.
Networking events such as those organized by Creative Connects, which matches people such as graphic designers, journalists and other creative people with temporary positions in several metropolitan areas can help by bringing people in similar situations together to meet, converse and discuss their situations. The set up is likely similar to so-called pink slip parties where unemployed people meet in a fun atmosphere in a way that can lift their spirits.
Having Fun and Volunteering
It may seem counterproductive to those who think the unemployed should spend every waking hour trying to find a job, but people who are unemployed should continue to do activities they enjoy. Singing karaoke, taking up a hobby and other activities can be one element of maintaining a positive frame of mind. Another helpful hint is to volunteer. Want to help the homeless? Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Enjoy children? Volunteer to help out at a school. Those activities provide a sense of purpose that left with the job loss.
It's no secret that today's economy makes it tough for people who don't have jobs. But everyone who has lost a job can at least take solace in the fact that they're not alone. Some coping mechanisms may not result in someone getting a job more quickly, but they can make the time spent on the unemployment lines more bearable.
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