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It is perfectly understandable that when you have been struggling to secure a permanent job and a regular income it might have an impact on your confidence levels and overall mood.
Long-term unemployment can happen for a whole variety of viable reasons and it often takes a change of approach or attitude in order to try and break the cycle and secure that long-awaited job offer.
You might want to search for some money-making ideas and career inspiration and there are also some useful tips that are worth bearing in mind when you find yourself unemployed for longer than you envisaged.
What to Consider
- Stay positive and maintain a routine.
- Network and connect with others in your industry.
- Consider taking on temporary or part-time work to gain experience.
- Invest in training and education to build new skills.
- Volunteer or intern to build experience and fill gaps in
your resume . - Consider starting a side hustle or freelance work to stay active.
- Leverage social media and online platforms to showcase your skills and experience.
- Seek out mentorship or coaching to gain insights and guidance.
- Consider working with a staffing agency or job placement service.
- Attend job fairs, networking events, and industry conferences to connect with potential employers.
Gain control over your thoughts and emotions
Being unemployed can take its toll on your ability to keep a clear mind and maintain a positive mindset as time goes by. It can lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, which can make the job search process even more challenging. There are various stages to unemployment, from the early enthusiasm and optimism that it will only be a matter of weeks before you secure an offer to the sort of inner turmoil that can take hold when none of those expected doors open for you.
Long-term unemployment can happen for a whole variety of viable reasons and it often takes a change of approach or attitude in order to try and break the cycle and secure that long-awaited job offer.Click To TweetTo avoid a downward spiral during long-term unemployment, recognize the stages and try mixing up your job search approach. Find ways to enjoy life outside of job hunting to maintain a positive outlook.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Another easy trap to fall into would be to dwell on past mistakes and missed opportunities as somehow being the reason you find yourself long-term unemployed.
The trick is to take time to reflect on what you could do differently to improve your job prospects without paying any importance to past negative experiences. Work out what you can do to improve yourself going forward and leave the past behind you.
Keep up a regular routine
A defining aspect of regular employment is the fact that you have a regular daily and weekly routine to follow.
It is far too easy to lose that structure when you are unemployed and don’t have a reason to leave the house on a daily basis.
Your aim should be to keep as busy and productive as possible and maintain a regular routine as this will help keep your mindset positive, which can only help when you do get called for an interview.
Don’t be afraid to network
It can also feel a bit awkward approaching past colleagues and contacts, especially when you are no longer talking to them in the same capacity as before, but reaching out to people you know and trust could really help.
They might be able to arrange an introduction or could at least impart some useful information or tips that you could use to your advantage.
Long-term unemployment is a cycle that you can and will break at some point soon and that is the way to approach a chapter in your life that you would probably like to close as quickly as possible.
Summary
Overcoming long-term unemployment can be a challenging and stressful process, but it is not impossible. By following the strategies outlined in this article, such as staying positive, networking, improving skills, and exploring new opportunities, you can increase your chances of finding meaningful employment. Remember to take care of yourself and seek support from family, friends, or professional resources if needed. Keep in mind that each individual’s journey is unique, and the key is to stay persistent, adaptable, and proactive in your job search efforts. With patience, determination, and a bit of luck, you can successfully overcome long-term unemployment and achieve your career goals.
Full of practical, time-tested counsel, this handbook offers simple, useful tips and activities to counter the typically negative reactions to job loss, such as loss of self esteem, and explores thoughts and feelings with the goal of healin
