Cope With Long Term Unemployment

The stress of losing your job is tough enough, but it can get even harder when you’ve been unemployed for longer than 6 months. Long-term unemployment has become more and more common over the years, so you aren’t alone in your struggles. In this article, we’ve detailed some ways you can cope with the stress of being unemployed for a long period of time, as well as some creative ways you can go about finding a job.

Steps

Create a daily routine.

  1. Having some structure in your life can really improve your mood. Try to wake up around the same time each morning, and plan out each day with simple tasks to accomplish. You can schedule things like resumé building, networking, job searching, and interviews to aid you in your job search. On the flip side, don’t forget other key necessities, like eating lunch, relaxing, and working out.[1]
    • Don’t forget to give yourself a break, too! You don’t have to stick to a schedule every single day—feel free to take weekends off.

Reorganize your living space.

  1. A change of scenery can help beat the unemployment blues. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, experts recommend reorganizing your room or your home. Taking a few hours to move furniture and knick-knacks around can leave you feeling accomplished, and you might just find that you have more energy to tackle the job search afterward. Plus, it’s a great way to accomplish a small goal so you feel good about yourself.[2]

Exercise regularly.

  1. It might seem silly, but exercise can really boost your mood! Plus, staying physically healthy is important, especially when you’re unemployed. Set aside some time throughout the day to get your body moving. Even just going on a walk around the block can get you out of the house and refresh your perspective![3]
    • Exercising also releases endorphins in your brain, which make you feel happier.
    • Try things like yoga, weight lifting, jogging, swimming, or rock climbing.

Make time to do fun things.

  1. Job hunting can take a toll on your mental health. It can sometimes feel like you need to be job searching every single day, but that’s just not true. Be sure to schedule fun things for yourself at least once a week, even if they’re small. Try things like taking a walk in the park, picking up coffee from a local coffee shop, or visiting a friend for a chat. Little things to look forward to are essential, and they can help you cope as you deal with unemployment.[4]

Reach out to friends and family.

  1. Lean on your support network in this time of stress. You don’t have to open up to them if you don’t want to—simply spending time with a loved one is usually enough of a distraction. However, if you’d like to vent about your situation or ask for advice, feel free to do so, because it might actually make you feel better.[5]
    • Try to spend time with a friend or family member at least once a week to boost your mood.

Keep looking toward the future.

  1. Remind yourself that you aren’t going to be unemployed forever. Although it can feel bleak sometimes, what you’re doing now isn’t permanent, and you will find a job eventually! Keep telling yourself that you’ll find something, and soon, you’ll be employed again.[6]
    • You should also remind yourself that more often than not, being unemployed is a reflection of the job market, not of you as a worker.

Reach out to your professional network.

  1. Experts suggest making at least 10 networking calls per day.[7] A professional network can be anyone from past coworkers, old bosses, friends, or family members. Get creative with the people you talk to, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you haven’t chatted with in a while. You never know who’s going to have an awesome opportunity for you![8]
    • When you talk with people, try saying something like, “Hey Rick! Long time no see. I wanted to reach out because I’m in the market for a new job, and I thought you might be able to point me in the right direction.”
    • If you don’t have a large professional network, reach out to people online via professional networking sites, like LinkedIn.

Try an unemployment workshop.

  1. Workshops for unemployed people can help you make connections. It’s also a great way to learn new skills and understand more about the job market as it stands right now. You can search for unemployment workshops happening in your area, or you can find ones that you can attend online.[9]
    • You can also try going to job fairs or networking events in your career field.

Volunteer to get your foot in the door somewhere.

  1. Volunteer your time to make connections and gain experience. Take a look at companies near you to see if they need any volunteers. You can also search volunteer websites, like VolunteerMatched, Idealist, and SimplyHired. Then, you can decide how many hours a week you’d like to dedicate to volunteering and how often you’d like to go in.[10]
    • Try to find a volunteer position that aligns with your career goals. If it doesn’t lead to a job at that company, you can still add it to your resumé for extra experience.

Consider changing career paths.

  1. If all else fails, it might be time to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, as the job market changes, some jobs become less desirable over time. If the reason you’ve been unemployed for a while is because your career isn’t very marketable anymore, it might be worth looking at new opportunities. Many hiring managers understand the desire to pivot in a new direction, so you can start applying to new jobs with an explanation about trying out a new career path.[11]
    • If you have the means, consider going back to school to take classes in a new career field. You’ll get experience and make connections that can help you find a new job.
    • You could also try looking at jobs that are adjacent to your career. For instance, if you have experience in architecture, you can transfer your skills to construction pretty easily.

Reduce food costs with SNAP benefits.

  1. Paying the bills while on unemployment can be tough. If you find yourself struggling to pay for food, consider signing up for SNAP benefits. These benefits can help pay for your food at the grocery store and give you a little more wiggle room as you look for your new job.[12]
    • If your state offers it, you might also qualify for UI, or unemployment insurance, which gives you a little bit of extra cash each month.

Contact your lenders or creditors for extensions.

  1. If you can’t pay your bills, reach out for help sooner rather than later. Call up your landlord, your student loan department, or your credit card company and explain your situation. Usually, they will be able to give you an extension or a reduced rate on what you owe them. Keep in mind that once you get a job, you may have to pay what you owe them in back payments.[13]

Related Articles

References

  1. ↑ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/resources/im-unemployed-now-what
  2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/depression-busters-for-the-unemployed#coping
  3. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/03/tackling-the-trauma-of-unemplo
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-files/200902/facing-unemployment-ten-steps-handling-your-unemployment-anxiety
  5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/job-loss-and-unemployment-stress.htm
  6. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/03/tackling-the-trauma-of-unemplo
  7. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/03/tackling-the-trauma-of-unemplo
  8. ↑ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/resources/im-unemployed-now-what
  9. ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/03/a-crisis-of-long-term-unemployment-is-looming-in-the-u-s
  10. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/08/05/7-reasons-job-seekers-should-volunteer
  11. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/08/14/if-youve-tried-hard-to-find-a-new-job-without-any-luck-its-time-to-pivot-and-start-over/?sh=51d02dc4669b
  12. ↑ https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/23926/412888-Responding-to-Long-Term-Unemployment.PDF
  13. ↑ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/managing-your-finances/what-do-if-you-cant-pay-your-bills/
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