Unemployment can be difficult, whether you quit your job, were fired, or going through other job changes. This period can be short as a few weeks to maybe years. No matter how long it lasts, it can leave you feeling uncertain, burned out, financially unstable, and mentally drained.
During this time, it’s normal to feel this way, and equally important to remain hopeful and to stay motivated to find the next best steps.
Revisit your career plans
Being between jobs forces you to pause, look around your environment, and take stock of your current life — including your career plans. It gives you time to think. While this can be extremely overwhelming, you can also choose to organize your thoughts and ask yourself complicated questions:
- Am I happy in this industry?
- Was I treated the way I deserved to be treated at my old job?
- Do I want a different career?
- What am I good at?
- How do I get a job that I actually enjoy?
These kinds of questions will have you thinking ahead while applying and interviewing for new jobs, and this will help you find a job that values you.
Apply for unemployment benefits
While you’re between jobs, be sure to apply for unemployment. It can be your lifeline during a job transition period and can keep you on your feet while you work on attaining a new job. Many people don’t apply because they believe that they’re not eligible, which is often not the case. There are different eligibility requirements depending on the state you live in:
- You must be available to work.
- You earned money through a job during a specific time period.
- You are out of work involuntarily.
It’s also important to start as soon as possible, and try to be patient. The process can take a while, and require numerous steps along the way. But the benefits are worth the effort.
Build your skillset and network
This time between jobs is an opportunity to take courses, learn new skills, and build your resume. Maybe you didn’t have the time for these things during your last job, but this is the perfect time to evolve. This will not only help you get your next role, but it will also help increase your confidence which will show up in your interviews!
Take this time to revise and fine-tune your job search materials — your cover letter, resume, portfolio, LinkedIn page, etc. This will be appealing to recruiters and hopefully help you land your next job.
Speaking of LinkedIn, it’s a great way to help you stay motivated in your job search. Use your spare time scrolling through their suggestions of former colleagues to connect with, and jobs you may be qualified for. Reach out to your contacts who work at companies you’re interested in, especially if they’re hiring. This “coming in the side door” through a referral can help you stand apart from other candidates.
Take care of yourself
Unemployment can be an emotionally draining period. It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time. Try to remain mentally stimulated by inspiring yourself and picking up certain activities that maybe your last job’s schedule didn’t allow for.
There are many inspiring things you can do while unemployed:
- Pick up new hobbies
- Volunteer
- Attend workshops or retreats of interest
- Reflect and write about your past work experiences
- Develop unique skills that are unrelated to work
- Start or increase your exercise routine, even if it’s only going on a daily walk
No matter what you choose, these activities can help you “get out of your head” and not be too hard on yourself during this time.
Reach out for support
Finding work during an unemployment period is a difficult task for most people — you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talking to the right people can help you land your next job. Sharing what you’re going through with friends, and joining groups and message boards that include people with your shared experiences can also feel supportive and help you remain motivated to find work.
WorkMoney is here to help too. You can become a member for free to receive ongoing ideas to make your money go farther and work harder. And we also offer ways to connect to other government and local programs that could provide essential services until you land your next big thing.