Dealing with Unemployment
STEPS ON GETTING YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROOVE BACK IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
I have been reading so many posts about the impact that Covid-19 has had on jobs, the economy, and unemployment. These are tough times.
As an HR professional who has been in a place of unemployment, I empathize with those who have lost their jobs recently. And the message I want to give you all is, that it is not going to be easy!
During my out-of-work phase, I personally dealt with a lot of challenges which helped me put together a list of things to prevent me from falling into a distressed rut:
1. Firstly, it is ok to feel low and it is ok to cry over something like this. You may feel like you have lost a sense of identity and purpose, and you may feel a little unsure. It is ok to feel that way. Take a day or two to mull over this feeling if you need to, but stop after that. Remember, this is a situation beyond your control, so the sooner you accept it, the faster you will be able to move on.
2. Accept it! That, this is not going to be an easy ride and that, it will take time. And therefore you will need to be calm and patient.
3. Set a routine for yourself, it could be as small as making your own bed or making tea for everyone at home. It will give you a feeling that you have achieved something and will automatically push you to your next task.
4. What’s the next task?
Exercise every morning for twenty minutes atleast, post which, go to your work space — a designated space to sit and work from, in your home. I, personally, moved a table next to a window, where I placed my laptop, pen and pad. It gave me my own office space to go sit at every day. It gave me a purpose.
Tip: Try to make sure you don’t open the laptop and work out of bed, or lying down or slouching on your sofa. Sit up straight wherever you feel comfortable to work from, and eventually, make it your work-space
5. What should you work on?
Dedicate no more than two hours to work on job search and applications.
Keep time aside to work on your resume, cover letter, write a blog, read interesting articles and watch videos relevant to your job/work. I usually watch some Tedx videos; work on my blog and my freelance projects.
Tip: Spending all your hours focusing on a job hunt will end up being a wild goose chase especially right now, with lockdown extensions and delay in the job market to open up. Take this time to work on yourself personally and professionally. You finally got the opportunity to get some “me-time”, take it! And use it wisely!
6. Give yourself five realistic goals that don’t seem overwhelming. Like making a dish, reading twenty pages of a book/ a day or even ten pages for that matter, planting a vegetable or even calling a few old friends. The idea is to slowly get your mind to shift focus on to — — Yourself, Your personal needs for growth, Your skills, and to gradually build Your confidence.
7. Pick up a new hobby at home, there are online courses, and you can teach yourself a new skill. Languages are usually a good idea because they stimulate the brain.
8. Have a dedicated “screen-time”, do not binge watch (develop a schedule for video games | Netflix | Prime | Stan | HBO etc). That way, you can be in control of your day and the time. Watch your show or movie when eating if you want and continue again at night before sleeping. Use the time in between to pursue other goals and finish tasks.
9. Eat at regular timings. Try not to stay in your pyjamas all day.
10. Be hopeful; make a list of recruiters, mentors, ex-colleagues, that you can network with once the situation is better. Start connecting and reaching out to them.
Tip: Don’t come across as being too desperate and start hounding them. Remember, they are also in a difficult position themselves and would rather meet you initially to give you clarity on the job market than a job.
11. It’s ok to have some days of odd sleep patterns. You will have those days of just lying in bed and doing nothing. That’s fine. Mark it as your break-day. But get back to your routine within a day or two.
12. Some of us are in dire circumstances and have bills to pay which were solely dependent on the job we had. In such critical times, don’t feel embarrassed to reach out and ask for help. You will need it. For instance, get friends or relatives to send over food and essentials.
13. Consider making a career shift, if you want one. This is the time for self-focus and self-discovery. Sometimes a career shift can also mean a job with less pay, but that is fine, because you need to start somewhere. And something is always better than nothing.
This list is extensive, but consider this as a starter kit, to get your life in order and in routine. Getting back into the workforce may not be as easy and may take time. But have faith, it will happen. You will have a job again and you will make a comeback to the workforce, twice as good.
“Till that time comes, it is important to stay relevant, up-to-date on your job skill and expertise and try not to let your emotions get the better of you in these desperate times. “
Following these steps will help you stay motivated and focused. You will start to feel better, slowly but surely.
