Great Ways to Cope with Long-Term Unemployment

No one relishes losing a job, but you took your unemployment particularly hard. After dedicating years of your life to a single company, unexpectedly becoming a victim of downsizing came as a tremendous shock. Despite feeling hurt and dejected, you initially tried to stay positive. After all, wallowing in self-pity wasn’t going to pay the bills. In light of all the experience you accrued at your previous job, you were certain it wouldn’t take long to land another position in your field.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned. Nearly a year later, you’re still without a job – but not for lack of trying. Although you’ve applied for countless positions during your downtime, a massive influx of new jobseekers and a lack of open positions have ensured that you’ve never made it past the interview stage. After so many rejections, it’s become difficult to even apply for jobs anymore. Rather than deal even more blows to your self-esteem, you’ve taken to lying on the sofa and watching television all day. At this point, there’s no question that you’ve fallen into a rut, but you’re unclear on how to pull yourself out. Before completely giving into despair, try putting the following tips into practice. As you’ll find, long-term unemployment 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.