It's been almost two months that I've been home and looking for work, which I realize is not all that bad in this economy of ours. However, it's taken me about this long to come up with a routine for myself and find outlets that allow me to stay relatively sane. Below are some of my tips on how to survive any bout of unemployment.
1. Set an alarm
One of the few perks of unemployment is that you get to sleep in...right? While that was lovely and luxurious at first, it eventually made me feel slothful and unproductive. Do yourself a favor and set an alarm for a reasonable hour; you'll find your days will be a lot longer and you'll have plenty of time to scour job boards, write cover letters and take regular screaming breaks.
2. Network
It's way more fun than sending your resume into the unresponsive stratosphere of online job sites. It kind of makes you feel like you're getting somewhere, and you'll meet cool people who like the same things you do.
3. Exercise
Take advantage of the fact that you're not tethered to a desk from 9-6 (yet). Go to the gym or go for a run whenever you feel like you deserve a break; it will significantly increase your mood and make you feel productive even on the most dead-end of job-hunting days.
4. Get a part-time job if you can
A restaurant, baby-sitting or retail job is a great way to give your life structure and cash flow. If you can't, volunteer. For money, sell your stuff on eBay, Etsy, or at a local thrift store.
5. Take the night off
My dad always says, "Your job is to find a job." So give yourself a certain amount of hours of work everyday, and then give yourself the evenings off. Meet friends for drinks, cook dinner, or lie in bed and watch all three seasons of "Parks and Recreation." For example.
6. Be open to everything
Take all the advice, suggestions and leads that you get. You never know what might come your way.
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4 comments:
Oh my Mandy, I'm so sorry! Great guide I'm sure it will help a bunch and make them laugh.
xx
sage advice... i also suggest spend time working on hobbies, that is one of my biggest things that i hate from actually having a full time job. i never have time to do the things that make me happy like write, paint, take pictures, and blog [well at least not as much time as i would like]. who knows, if you foster your hobbies enough, maybe you won't even need to find a 9-5! :)
Great list- I was without a job for a couple months last year and at first I was miserable but then realized oh hey I can do whatever I want! It's kinda liberating in a way. Anyways good luck with the job hunt-something great will turn up! :)
Thank you for the kind words, my lovely readers! I'm lucky enough to have lots of hours at a restaurant job I love, and to live at home with a family that I love and get along with. You're right, Holly and Kelly - it's time to take a bit more advantage of the free time I do have :)
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