Pop the cap off the highlighter, circle ads, call people, repeat. That’s been your morning process for the past two weeks. You’re unemployed, so no one expects you to throw confetti in the streets. But, hey, shake off that post-employment funk and click through helpful unemployment resources like health and wellness tips, state guidelines for unemployment filing, and even national statistics for unemployment rates by industry. Use these tips to create your action plan today.
Assess your finances to determine your absolute debts and expenses, then create a budget.
File for unemployment, but make job seeking a full time job.
Be creative, and find alternatives to earning extra cash. Doing odd jobs, working part time, and selling items on eBay or at yard sales can offset the loss of income.
Update your resume. Highlight your skills, abilities and track record of longevity on jobs.
Join a job club for support, encouragement and job leads.
Tap into your professional network for employment opportunities.
Your family can be a great source of support. Consider their advice and try to make time for family fun.
Keep an open dialogue with your children. Make sure they know it isn't anybody's fault.
Make children feel as if they are helping by cutting expenses. You may even allow them to take an after school job if they so desire.
Write about your feelings to get them off your chest.
Volunteer to maintain your sense of value and purpose.
Evaluate your health insurance needs to determine what kind of coverage you need. Keep in mind there are short term health insurance programs that may help bridge the gap.
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting |
Mining, Quarrying and Oil and Gas Extraction |
Construction |
Manufacturing |
Wholesale Trade |
Retail Trade |
Transportation and Warehousing |
Utilities |
Information Services |
Finance and Insurance |
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Educational Services |
Health Care and Social Assistance |
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Hover over the icons to view unemployment rates by industry.
If you find yourself unemployed, you should not give up or beat yourself up too much. In fact, you should take the opportunity that unemployment provides you and make the most of it. Here are some additional tips that can really help you along the way:
No one likes the idea of being unemployed, but there are ways that you can make unemployment work for you. Try not to stress out too much and take every day as it comes. When you worry about your future too much, you may end up overlooking important opportunities as they pass. Do not rush into the first job that comes your way, but instead take the time to learn and grow as a person and get back in the game when you feel like you have found something worth doing again.
Sources:
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/06/01/state-unemployment-guide-listing/
http://www.helpguide.org/life/job_networking_how_to_find_job.htm
http://unemployment.com/dealing-with-being-unemployed/
http://www.helpguide.org/life/unemployment_job_loss_stress_coping_tips.htm
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/07/11/how-to-not-end-up-uninsured-when-you-find-yourself-unemployed/
http://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag_index_naics.htm