The Job Hunt in the Down turn
I hate is a nice way to start off this post. I hate words like "Down Turn". Why don't you just say what you really mean. Bull Shit in this day and age is as deep as our economic crisis. We're almost in peril... or are we no better than the lemmings who follow others off cliffs. I'm not sure who to believe anymore. Don't tell me how bad things are. I GET IT. I get how scared everyone is, but what I don't get is why. Even if things still get worse, their will still be another tomorrow. Yes, I'm fully aware tomorrow is not promised. I'm just not of the mind set to be scared by others worries. We live in one of the greatest economic revenue generating times the world has ever seen. Get off your ass and make something for yourself, no one is going to do for you.
Recently, I found myself unemployed. I figured out quickly, where I was economically... what my situation was and where I wanted to go. I haven't reached my ultimate goal yet, but I can tell you here and now I'm highly employable! You want me on your team. So, what have I been doing? Everyone morning... although it's been getting slightly later and later, I get up and thank God I'm I have my health and I'm alive. I'm not religious, but yunno... what the hell, I appreciate what I have. Then matter of factly and motivationally say "Let's find a job!", charging out of bed to take on my day. I look religiously till about 3pm from the time I'm awake. It's one of the few things in my life right now that keep me sane. I know if I'm working towards that goal of being employed near term, then the fear and stress of not having a job isn't so bad. So set yourself goals. I'm all about this, ask anyone.
These are really uncertain times fear is too obviously contagious for me to listen anymore. I honestly can't stand it. First thing I'd say is, don't listen to anyone but what you yourself understands. Being unemployed taps into your survival instincts. Do what's best for you, not God, not your family... no one. You need to carry on, because at the end of the day that'll help everyone else. Second, sign up for unemployment even if you have loads of money in the bank. This is an important motivational tool. Getting that check believe it or not is an important incentive and something to look forward too. In most cases, it'll even alleviate a little bit of stress. Third, but not last. Keep eating right. Stay healthy. I'm a big believer that eating right keeps your mind sharp. Additionally, every morning get up like you're going to work. Get dressed and get busy. Doing this makes the transition back to your normal work routine not so bad.
Keep hustling above all. I did a number of things in my job search so far and I'll share a few with you now. Share what's happening with family and if not them, friends. Being open is probably a huge deterrent to depression although clinically speaking I have zero facts to back that up. This is just what helps me when I'm down. I Twittered about losing my job and low and behold, a number of new friends chimed in to empathize. I can't even tell you how many tried to help me. It's the kinda thank you really can't repay but hugely appreciate. My point is this, being open makes you available to other career opportunities. Everyone knows you want to work and I think it's important to talk about the good as well as the bad. Work sucks! This is the point in our life you'll just be hearing a lot about it unfortunately. Dig down deep and put your skills to work. Get on Craigslist, search out those jobs. Find positions on Dice. Try Startuply, Linkedin... whatever. Right now, this had been working very well for me up until this point. I get great feedback from recruiters as well as asking for feedback from those hiring. I tweak my resume and constantly learn new skills to improve my hiring power and employability.
At the end of the day, this situation is what it is. Just remember to think for yourself and remember even in the worst moments, it's only temporary. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. On the upside, I'll say being unemployed has caught me up on my sleep debt and I'm genuinely Okay. I'm in good health, good spirits. I've been meeting tons of other people in my situation, but knowing what you want out of life and from this experience is half the battle. I'm determined. I'm optimistic. I'm encouraged by our leaders in Washington and being positive about my outlook isn't only good for me. It's good for our country. There are jobs, lots of them. Work for it.
Sorry for the rant, this what time on your hands does to you.
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