Highs and Lows: How to Stay Positive During A Time of Unemployment

Are you still coming down from the high of “Heart Day”?  While Valentine’s Day is a fun time full of love, happiness, and overall good feelings, if you are unemployed, reality can be a cold hit in the days following all the fun.  Those who don’t currently have a job are at a higher risk for issues such as anxiety and depression, but you don’t have to find yourself with a negative mentality while currently out of work.  How can you stay encouraged during this time?

First, make finding a job your temporary career.  Just as you would clock in by a certain time each day, work for X number of hours, and then clock out and return home, treat your job hunting time as a job.  Get up, take care of your morning routine, and then commit to a set number of hours to research, gain information, and apply for local openings.  Occasionally, add in outings where you circulate through local businesses, especially staffing agencies like PHR, and inquire about new openings, connect with their employees, and drop off your resume.  Treating your job search like a career can make you feel productive and will also increase your chances of actually landing a new position.

Additionally, use your extra time to complete projects you might not have time for once you are in the work force again.  This season of life might be the perfect time to organize your attic and garage that have gotten out of hand, tackle an extensive amount of cleaning, or redecorate a portion of your home that has been waiting for you.  While you probably won’t want to spend a lot of extra funds on decor while you’re waiting on a paycheck, you can make the most of what you already have, and get your home in the best shape possible.  The upside is, when you return to work, you have the weight of your task list lifted off your shoulders!

Finally, use your time of unemployment to help others.  Nothing wards off your own feelings of anxiety and sadness like being an encouragement to those around you.  Whether it’s taking time to care for a friend or neighbor in a time of need, to volunteering with a local non-profit, there are a variety of ways you can get involved and use your extra hours to do some good in the lives of those around you.

If you are continuing to search for a career that’s perfect for you, give us a call.  PHR Staffing Solutions is ready to help you find a job that meets your needs and your qualifications, so you can jump back into the working world faster.  Don’t let the post-holiday blues drag you down.  Get out there and get hired with PHR!