The Unemployment Curse: How To Live Through It

If you have ever been unemployed longer than reasonably comfortable, then you understand the financial weight, awkward conversations, and the stress of an empty day.  After the hours of searching, applying, and interviewing there are still several hours left in a day to fill. You know there is nothing quite like a week of empty afternoons that can drain your self-esteem.

Original image from All Free Download. Usually do my own, but this was perfect!

I am unemployed. A couple days ago this realization hit me. Not that I didn't understand this before, it's just that it really HIT me. And if my Economics courses taught me anything is that the longer I go without work, the less valuable I become...so there's that. I am trying - over forty applications within three months, two times a runner-up, and a couple other opportunities where I made it to the final rounds. I did every step in an interview process professionally and skillfully. (A great explanation of the proper steps of what I was taught in school is linked here in an article by Katy Bruce.) Unfortunately my fruits of labor have yet to be harvested. Hopefully my job search is like apples. Late in the season but the sweetest of sweet. (Not bitter or cursed.)

While some days are harder than others, I do strive to make every day valuable. There are things you can do to fill your time, which will give you feelings of purpose, strength, and overall boost your confidence. Here's how I make my unemployment work for me.

Keep learning/working in your field

Dedicate time to indulge in learning. I follow several bloggers who share my passions of marketing, event planning, fundraising, writing, and economics. I also listen in to some podcasts. These tools helps to keep me up-to-date on trends, stay ahead of new technology and ideas, and slow the process of decreasing employment value. In addition, try to find volunteer opportunities in your field or at least with a company who works in your industry. Volunteering is a great way to expand your network in a new community.

Learn new skills

Keep learning new things. Use Duolingo to study a new language, watch YouTube videos to learn basics of new computer software, or attend local conferences or seminars open to the public on a wide variety of professional topics. You can usually find these by looking at your local chamber of commerce's website. Not to mention that learning something new through these seminars or a class is another great networking opportunity!

Work Out 

Staying active helps draw your mind off of the job search, even if it is just for a little while. Plus, the released endorphins are an extra emotional bonus for the day. However, I think the best reason for working out during unemployment is that it shows your interviewer and yourself that you have the ability to keep pushing and working through a tough time toward something better. If you've been a cough potato for the past couple months, it will show. Instead, show those interviewers a glowing, positive you!

Keep your online image up-to-date

If you do not have a Linked-In page, go make one. This is a must-have online tool and I am still shocked when I hear a professional does not have one. I understand some industries don't necessarily need them, but it is a great way to connect with people with similar passions and industry interests. Almost every company I interviewed with checked my profile. All the things I could not fit on my resume were available for viewing and can help get you into the next step of the interview process.
In addition to your Linked-In, be sure your other social media outlets are not portraying you in an unsightly manner. That may mean you need delete some Facebook photos and ask friends not to tag you in new ones. Facebook can also be used to follow companies and events. (A.K.A., another great networking tool!) Here's some other online ideas you can utilize: use your Twitter account to follow companies you like, start a blog about your volunteer work/professional skills, or create a Pinterest board to store your favorite articles and ideas on certain areas of interest (social media marketing, etc.) You want your name to appear in a Google search in a positive light and at the top. 

Most of all, be sure to keep your information on these sites up-to-date. A profile will not help if you haven't updated it in several months. (Here's my Linked-In profile, if you would like to see an example.)


I have to say I've been blessed with recent opportunities to get out and show my stuff. I had a wonderful interview today, and someone already called to set up another one for tomorrow! I love being a busy little bee and hopefully one of these pull through for me!!
Good luck job hunting!