A job loss during a recession leaves many anxious, uncertain
and depressed. Although it’s easy to fall into a pessimistic
attitude during this frustrating time, pessimism can
negatively influence your thinking and behavior, thus affecting
your job search. Although the search may be challenging and
taking longer than it would in a good economy, it’s important to
manage your reactions to the situation and move forward in the most
positive way possible.
How do you maintain your self-esteem and remain positive during a
job loss? Follow these tips:
- Develop an accurate view of the situation. Avoid jumping
to conclusions and using tunnel vision when looking at the issue,
and don’t take the situation to heart. Also, don’t magnify the
issue to something larger than it really is. Remember that the
situation is only temporary.
- Utilize upbeat self-talk. Focus on what is working in your
life and the things that you are grateful for. Divert your
negative thoughts by thinking and talking about something humorous
or interesting.
- Take a temporary break from the news. During a
recession, the media tends to cover a lot of bad news. Coupled
with a job loss, all bad news all the time can turn the most
optimistic person negative.
- Reflect on your past accomplishments and
achievements. Maintain a list of personal strengths. You
can use these in your positive self-talk and during
interviews.
- Seek support from your family, friends and coworkers. Ask
supportive people for uplifting feedback and then accept
it.
- Maintain a regular routine. Spend eight hours a day on
your job search, but still allow yourself personal time to
enjoy your family and friends. If you’re job search is slow,
use this unexpected free time to catch up on at-home projects that
you’ve hadn’t had time to complete. You will feel a sense of
accomplishment, and it will help keep your mind on something
besides your job loss.
- Network as often as you can. As former coworkers and
friends are at work, it is tempting to isolate yourself in front of
a computer all day. Keep in touch with your contacts, visit
professional networking events, attend conferences, volunteer in
the community or intern to keep growing your network. The
contact with others will divert your negative thoughts and may even
lead to a job.
- Update your skills. Sometimes workers worry that their
skills will become stale while on a prolonged break from
work. Avoid this by taking a class or studying a new skill
from a library book.
- Maintain your health. With your new time off, you now have
plenty of time to exercise. Enjoy it and the mental release
that comes with keeping fit. Avoid
highly-caffeinated drinks that may cause anxiety and keep a healthy
diet.
- Treat Yourself. See a movie, listen to music, meet with
friends or cook a nice dinner. You deserve it!
Remember, you choose how you will respond to your situation and
your attitude. Optimism will help you to
maintain your high self-esteem and to project enthusiasm,
qualities important to prospective employers.
