Unemployment advice
Discussion
I have a friend who was made redundant from his job in May and is struggling to find a new one. He has had a few interviews but no success yet. He isnt poor because he took a decent package from his employer which he says he can live on for about another 10 months but he is down in the dumps, really negative about things etc and its damaging his relationship massively.
I have never been unemployed before so I dont really know what to say to help him or what kind of support someone in that position needs. I know a number of you guys have been unemployed at times, what advice would you give him?
I have never been unemployed before so I dont really know what to say to help him or what kind of support someone in that position needs. I know a number of you guys have been unemployed at times, what advice would you give him?
Art0ir said:
In the short term he may want to look into volunteering between interviews/applications/business plans to keep him in a decent 9-5 pattern if nothing else. If he finds himself with no reason to get up in the mornings he'll fast find himself in depression.
Thats good advice. I think his GF is trying to make sure he gets up in the morning and keeps work hours in terms of job hunting etc. Being in the same position I can tell you that there's nothing worse for your moral than getting up, spending all day searching for and applying for jobs, not hearing back from anyone and then going to bed again. Your friend needs to have something else to do so that they can at least go to bed thinking they've achieved something that day, even if it's not helped them to get their job. I go running and biking, but any sport would help me. Anything that gets you out of the house for an hour or two will help.
paulrockliffe said:
Being in the same position I can tell you that there's nothing worse for your moral than getting up, spending all day searching for and applying for jobs, not hearing back from anyone and then going to bed again. Your friend needs to have something else to do so that they can at least go to bed thinking they've achieved something that day, even if it's not helped them to get their job. I go running and biking, but any sport would help me. Anything that gets you out of the house for an hour or two will help.
One of the things I did say to him was that he should allocate a day each week which is his to do something he wants to with it and do all the things he will be too busy to do when he finds a job again.
) and while it was lovely for about 3 months it will drive you insane unless you get out a few hours a day. As others have intimated, without structure to the day, it's easy to slide in to a rhythm that is not conducive to either one's health or outlook. Telling people what to do does not always spur them in to action either. In cases such as this, I have found that having someone once removed from friend or family can have the greatest impact, such as a recruiter, job centre rep or former colleague or boss acting as a coach or mentor. Having them assist with a plan of action and requiring regular updates of progress and meetings to improve both CV and interview techniques as well as exploring other sectors for employment could help. Good luck!
Another vote for volunteering, whether relevant to his career or just for charity/worthy causes. I did this myself for quite a bit of my 20s and it really helps to a) keep a structure to your day/week, b) plug gaps in your CV, c) help you to learn/retain skills and d) boost morale.
It's worth making a list of everything he'd like to do, if only he had the time: e.g. study (including self study), DIY, travel, visiting friends/family, hobbies. Then he needs to make time alongside everything else to make a start on that list (e.g. put aside 1 day a week).
Now is also a good time to network. Dust off any professional memberships, even if lapsed, and old contacts lists. Get involved in events, meet up, catch up etc. It's even better if you are offering to help them though (e.g. I'm in between contracts and have loads of time that I couldn't spare before, did you want a hand with that conference/private project etc?). There's a fantastic book on networking called "Never eat alone" by Keith Ferrazi if he's interested (well I like it anyway).
It's worth making a list of everything he'd like to do, if only he had the time: e.g. study (including self study), DIY, travel, visiting friends/family, hobbies. Then he needs to make time alongside everything else to make a start on that list (e.g. put aside 1 day a week).
Now is also a good time to network. Dust off any professional memberships, even if lapsed, and old contacts lists. Get involved in events, meet up, catch up etc. It's even better if you are offering to help them though (e.g. I'm in between contracts and have loads of time that I couldn't spare before, did you want a hand with that conference/private project etc?). There's a fantastic book on networking called "Never eat alone" by Keith Ferrazi if he's interested (well I like it anyway).
Art0ir said:
oldbanger said:
There's a fantastic book on networking called "Never eat alone" by Keith Ferrazi if he's interested (well I like it anyway).
Ordered on Amazon, cheers.
One of the loveliest books I have ever read. Ferrazzi is clearly mental in his 24/7 approach to life, but his ideas resonate with me.Edited by oldbanger on Thursday 26th July 23:31
Another vote for exercise. When I lost my job I took up cycling & nothing makes you feel as good & as motivated as exercise, really kept my spirits up and meant I went into the job hunting with a more positive mental attitude.
Luckily I got back to work soon enough and now resemble a hippo again...
Luckily I got back to work soon enough and now resemble a hippo again...
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