Great Ways to Cope with Long-Term Unemployment By Gus Stergen

To say losing your job came as a shock would be a gross understatement. Having dedicated a substantial portion of your adult life to your former employer, you could hardly believe your ears when you were informed that your services were no longer needed. However, despite feeling hurt and betrayed, you initially did your best to stay positive. After all, in light of the years of experience your previous job had given you, it seemed like only a matter of time before another employer snatched you right up.

Unfortunately, things didn’t play out quite as you had planned. Almost a year has passed, and you still lack gainful employment. Of course, this isn’t to say you haven’t been trying. Even though you’ve applied for countless positions, you’ve yet to make it past the interview stage. Because of growing competition from a massive influx of new jobseekers, landing a decent position in the current economy is often an uphill battle. After facing rejection so many times, you’ve decided to stop applying for jobs for a while and dedicate your days to lying on the couch, eating junk food and watching television. Despite realizing you’ve fallen into a rut, you lack the tools needed to pull yourself out. Before completely giving yourself over to despair, give the following pointers a try. Long-term unemployment may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it doesn’t have to define who you are.

An active mind is a healthy mind. Far too many chronically unemployed individuals fall into ruts of inactivity as a result of the depression brought on by constant rejection. However, habitual inactivity is synonymous with psychological instability, obesity and an assortment of other health problems. To prevent yourself from falling victim to the aforementioned afflictions, make a point of staying active. In addition to staying up-to-date with personal hygiene and household chores, take care to exercise on a daily basis. Whether your preferred fitness activity is strength-training, jogging or power-walking, make sure to consistently engage in it. In order to do this, you’ll need to keep up your stamina by eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and, if need be, taking an energy increasing supplement.

If you’re looking for a great way to remain productive and fulfilled during your downtime, consider engaging in volunteer work. Individuals interested in helping the less fortunate are sure to enjoy volunteering their time at soup kitchens, homeless shelters and thrift stores. Alternatively, people with a soft spot for animals should look into helping out at Humane Societies, rescue shelters and veterinary clinics. If you have a background in medicine, your skills will come in handy at a blood donation facility or veterans’ hospital.

 It’s never too late in life to continue your education. If your chosen field currently has a dearth of available positions, look into growing fields that are synonymous with modern-day job growth. If you come across a career option that captures your interest, enroll in some classes designed to expand your understanding of that field. Even if you ultimately decide to go in a different direction with your career, these courses will help broaden your intellectual horizons.

Unemployment can take a tremendous toll on one’s self-worth and sense of purpose. The longer you’re absent from the workforce, the less you’re liable to think of yourself. Fortunately, by staying active, taking part in volunteer work and continuing your education, you can stave off the negative effects of prolonged unemployment.