Being unemployed can be a real blow to self-esteem because jobs provide a key means of identification.Every rejection is a blow to your self- image if you are actively searching for work and failing to get it.You need to find alternate sources of self-esteem and cope with unemployment by developing a strategy for it.
Step 1: A strategy for answering "what do you do?"
People will ask about your job, so you need to be prepared.One way to answer the question is literally.If you do decide to discuss your unemployment, you will want a response that explains your situation while also reinforcing your own self-worth.Don't blame yourself.You can't control the economy.Millions of people are without a job.You have an opportunity to change careers if you spend more time with your family, catch up on your reading, and get in shape.Mention the steps you are taking to get a new job.It's a good idea to frame your job loss as an opportunity to look at your career differently.
Step 2: Keep a schedule.
Losing structure to your day can leave you feeling aimless, which in turn can lead to feelings of depression and worthlessness.Pick a block of time for your job search when you have a schedule.To be done with it, do it every day.If you keep up with your job search, you won't feel like you should spend all your time on it.Schedule time to read, work out, or hobbies.You should schedule daily activities that take you out of your home.
Step 3: You can set goals that you can control.
Getting a job is important, but it is not helpful for building self-esteem because it depends on people other than yourself.Set goals such as editing your c.v., reading 3 books a month, or working out 3 days a week.You can boost your self-esteem by achieving goals regularly.
Step 4: Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Many people who are unemployed cut out activities not related to finding a new job because they are worried about money, feel guilty about having fun when they should be getting a job, or are embarrassed about being unemployed and don't want to go out.Making time for pleasurable activities that replenish you physically and psychologically is important to your mental health.
Step 5: The television is in front of you.
A person without a job spends more time watching TV and movies than doing anything else.It is possible to lower self-esteem by watching television.It shows you to attractive, successful people that make you feel worse.It can make you feel like you are not being productive.
Step 6: The environment should be comforting and productive.
Our environment affects how we feel.Maintaining and seeking out the appropriate environments can help you feel productive and connected to your career.It's a good idea to keep your home clean.It's a good idea to dress for work when you're looking for a job.Job search tasks can be done in public spaces.Our self- image is affected by activities performed in public.When you're working, play relaxing music.
Step 7: Positive relationships can be cultivated.
Being unemployed can be traumatic.It's important to have people who you can turn to for emotional support.A few people, even good friends and family, may look down on you, secretly blame you or deliver subtle digs that undermine your self-esteem.It is important to surround yourself with people who are supportive and non-judgmental in order to avoid such relationships.
Step 8: The focus should be on the positive.
When an aspect of oneself is considered important and positive, it can lead to high self-esteem.The importance may remain if you lose your job, but the positive will turn to a negative.The best way to restore self-esteem is to focus on positive aspects of yourself, according to psychologists.Your relationship with your spouse is one of the positive areas of your life.
Step 9: You can volunteer at a church, charity, or other non-profit.
Volunteering keeps you active and provides fulfilling work, it also gives you a positive identity around which to build self-esteem.The right volunteer activities can help you land a job.To grow a network that might help you get a job, volunteering is a great way to meet people with common interests.Whether you help balance the books, create a fundraising strategy, build an addition, or cater an event, putting your skills to work for a non-profit will allow you to display your worth.VolunteerMatch, Idealist, Taproot Foundation, Catchafire, and Voolla all match non-profits with volunteers.There are many non-profits that offer job training.Offering your skills will give you a chance to help others, while also reconfirming your own skills and boosting your esteem.
Step 10: Take time with your family.
Unemployment gives you more time to spend with your family.Whether you are a mother or father, husband or wife, son or daughter, engaging with your family provides you with psychological support and shores up an important aspect of yourself that can help to compensate for the damage to your work identity.
Step 11: You should get more involved with your religion.
In countries where being religious is the norm, religious believers have higher self-esteem.Religious communities emphasize the value of the individual and provide a network of likeminded people that can help to overcome the isolation of being unemployed.
Step 12: Don't let your passions go to waste.
If you don't find a job, you can feel like you have lost control of your life, a feeling that can be particularly intense if you are looking for work.Something you can control is a hobby that you are passionate about.It is something that you can improve upon.Your self-esteem can be boosted by all of these things.Your hobby could grow into a job in the future.
Step 13: You can join a sports team.
Participation in team sports improves self-esteem.A team gives you a social outlet, provides exercise, and allows you to demonstrate your value to people engaged in a common pursuit.Studies show that rooting for a team in a public place can boost self-esteem.
Step 14: There is time in the garden.
Studies show that gardening increases one's self-esteem.Being successful in raising plants gives one a feeling of accomplishment.
Step 15: Be ready.
Preparing to apply for jobs, interview, and work will increase your chances of being hired and give you a sense of purpose.Your resume needs to be polished.You should draft several versions of your cover letter.Practice interviewing.Prepare for common questions and create a compelling narrative to explain why being out of work makes you a better candidate.
Step 16: Don't work to engage in professional development.
You should check out work-related journals and books that you have been meaning to read.Attend conferences.Take courses.You should learn a language.You can shore up your self-esteem and make yourself a more attractive candidate if you treat your unemployment as an opportunity to improve your job skills.
Step 17: You can network with people in your field.
Networking is the best way to get a job, it will keep you engaged with your field and make you feel constructive.Keep a list to stay in touch.If you want to work with people you respect in the future, make a spreadsheet with their contact information.Broadness is more important than depth.These spots should be saved for people who want to help you as much as possible.Schedule a follow-up.You should put entries in your calendar to remind you to follow up with contacts.If you can help out in any way, ask them how they are doing.Stay in touch with other people.You should pass along news stories to your contacts.Keep track of their status by connecting to them on LinkedIn.Congratulate them if they are promoted.Offer support if they are laid off.Send them articles about your recreational activity.If you take their advice, thank them.