|
Copyright © of R.G. Srinivasan
Are you unemployed or
been laid off? You are not alone if that is any comfort to you.
Worldwide millions of people are in the same predicament as you are.
Unemployment and lay offs are stark realities of the downsizing,
reengineering, restructuring, and automation in a sluggish global economy
where corporations are trying every trick in the book to reduce costs,
increase productivity and keep the organization lean, mean and
profitable. Every one of us has gone through the phase of being
unemployed once or more in our careers.
What does one have to
undergo during this period. Endless wait for phone calls, eagerly
scanning the emails or letters inviting you for a discussion, even a
rejection letter seem to be good as you feel at least your existence is
being acknowledged, the pain of unreturned calls from ex colleagues and
friends whom once you helped or were close to, sudden disappearance of
invitations which used to pour in when you were employed may all sound
only too familiar to many of us.
The major problem is
the loss of self dignity, fall from one's own self respect and severe
depression. One feels lower than the lowliest creature. If you are young
you can still look forward with better resilience. God forbid if you are
one of those in the mid 30's or 40’s and may be waiting for months and
even years for jobs which many think you are too old to handle in spite of
your excellent track record.
The pain of running out
money, ideas, contacts and even life itself is too intense. However you
have a choice. You can either look into an empty future or you can
believe that a bright future is just around the corner and you will turn
that corner soon.
Here are 5 creative
ways you can tackle your period of unemployment and turn the corner.
Learn a New Skill
One of the best ways to
spend the time of unemployment or layoffs is to take up a course, learn a
new skill, and improve your qualification. There is plenty of time
available which needs to be productively used. Instead of worrying and
fretting or just watching T.V., one may take up learning a new skill or
improve professional knowledge by taking up a course. This would help one
to be more competitive in the job market and increase the chances of
landing a job sooner.
Create a job for
yourself
Now this is the best
alternative and the most creative way to spend your lay off period.
Instead of waiting around for a job to come through you may as well set up
a business of your own. Yes. It is easier said than done as most people
may not have sufficient funds or investments to launch on one's own.
There are plenty of
options to strike out on your own without investments. All you require is
a PC and maybe an extra phone. Everyone has specialized knowledge.
You can consider becoming a consultant in your area of specialization. If
you feel your skills are not sufficient to set out as a consultant, step
one above might help you in that direction. You can look at a home
business by becoming an affiliate or join a network marketing
opportunity. The money you may be making may not equal what you were
earning. But remember the seeds planted today would take time to grow and
yield much more in time than what you may make on a job in the long term.
Just nurture the seed carefully, water it, weed it and grow it into a big
harvest. The immediate benefits are that you have something to do and
ward off negativity and depression.
Maintain a busy
routine
Most of us slaves of
our habits. Having been accustomed to a busy 12 hour schedule, you may
find time hanging heavy. Prepare a schedule of activities for every day
and keep busy. If don't have anything else to do, take in those free
community lectures, go and meet some one and network, write something,
have a learning schedule and read all the books you can. Prepare your
daily schedule to keep yourself busy.
Create Networks
Building new contacts
are the best way to tackle your unemployment. While keeping you busy, you
never know who may turn out to be useful in helping you to find a job.
You may end up striking good friendships lasting a lifetime. Keep a goal
of getting to know at least one new person everyday and you have added up
365 more people to your address book. Whether in business or a job the
more people you know more the circle of influence
Spend quality time
with your family
Last but the most
important; use the opportunity to spend quality time with your family. We
always grumble that we do not find enough time for our family. Now is the
golden opportunity. Share some intimate moments with your spouse. Watch
your children grow. Enjoy these moments of adventure, wonderment,
and joy very special to children and adolescents. Take some outings or
walks in the morning and evening with your children, parents or spouse and
catch up on what you missed. This could really uplift your spirits, help
put up your confidence and develop a more positive outlook.
It is wise to remember
that unemployment is not a sign of failure. It is only a temporary
setback. Knowing how to bounce back is the key. To be creative in times
of stress will help you with a new beginning, a new a career and
realization of some unmet goals.
|
