Unemployment, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, is a challenge faced by many members of the workforce all over the world. However, in order to be successful, it is essential to know how to cope with the mental and financial effects that come with unemployment. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to recover after being made unemployed.
Acknowledge and accept the unemployment situation
The first step to recovering after being made unemployed is to acknowledge and accept the situation. It is natural to experience emotional reactions during this tough time but it is important to be aware of those reactions. Once you realise that this is the reality for now, it will be easier to move forward.
Focus on the positives
When struggling with unemployment, it is easy to become bogged down by the negative effects. However, it is important to shift your focus and concentrate on the positive aspects of the situation. Unemployment offers the opportunity to take a break from the workforce, spend time with family, or work on personal development.
Create a plan
After acknowledging and accepting the loss of employment, it is essential to create a recovery plan, with achievable goals and tasks that can be done to move forward. This could include anything from searching for and applying for new jobs, to building new skills, setting up an online presence, or taking an online course. These tasks should be evaluated regularly in order to ensure they are being completed.
Stay financially afloat
In order to thrive and move forward, it is important to stay afloat financially. There are a variety of financial aid options available. Government aid packages as well as schemes such as Universal Credit are there to help those who have lost their job stay financially afloat. Alternatively, some banks and credit unions offer unique loan options for those affected by job losses.
Focus on mental wellbeing
The process of recovering from unemployment is not only physical, but emotional and mental too. Therefore, it is essential to focus on mental wellbeing and the factors that contribute to health and happiness. This could include spending time in nature, doing yoga, or simply talking to someone about the situation.
Improve job search
When seeking out a new role, it is important to ensure that one’s job search is up-to-date. Taking the time to update CV/resume, or to create a personalised cover letter, is a great way to stand out to potential employers. It is also important to consider how recent experience can be applied to other industries, or to take creative online courses to ensure a competitive edge in the job market.
Network
Network, network, network — use every tool at your disposal. One of the most effective ways to find a job is through personal connections and relationships. Networking events, LinkedIn, or even reaching out to a potential employer directly can help to find a job quickly and efficiently. Don’t forget to take advantage of all the opportunities from family and friends or even approaching an old mentor.
Stay focused
It is vital to stay focused during the job search and be persistent with applying for positions. This can take time and persistence is key. Get help where necessary in order to ensure the job search process runs as smoothly as possible.
Recovering after job loss can be a difficult and painful process, but it is possible. By taking the right steps and using the resources available, it is possible to get back on the right path. By acknowledging, accepting, and focusing on the positives, it is possible to move forward. Finally, by staying focused and optimistic, finding a new job can be much easier.
