I created Unemploymentville after I was out of work in late 2013 and early 2014. That time included me receiving 2 job offers that were later cancelled after I accepted them. I found being out of work was pretty crushing emotionally. I wanted people to have a place to both commiserate and share ideas for how to navigate through Unemployment. I didn’t want to offer career advice because there were already plenty of books on how to job hunt, including…
1) Out with Bad Feelings If you hoped to get a job and you didn’t there are bound to be some bad feelings hanging out at your house, whether they are disappointment, anger, sadness or shock. You need to acknowledge those feelings and then use your favorite methods for chasing them away. Suggestions include: exercising venting to a friend screaming out loud (One person said she would drive all the way around the DC beltway screaming so as not to…
I loved the first part of Unemployment Boot Camp: Tactics for Surviving and Thriving in the 21st Century as Long described working for a company that was laying people off in waves. Her humor about a situation that “causes you to reach heights of paranoia the likes of which you haven’t experienced since junior high” made me laugh and her observations rang true to me. The second half of the book was more matter of fact. Here is what you…
This post is the first of what I hope will become a series, checking back in on folks who once felt stuck in unemployment and despaired of ever getting out among the working again. These stories are unlikely to consist of tales where everyone lived happily ever after. Still I think there is a value to being able to fast forward from someone’s time being unemployed to see what happened. It gives us a chance to see someone’s “future” when…
What’s wrong with Anne’s face in this drawing? I was unemployed, that’s what. My eyes show that I’ve been left behind by the rest of the world and I’m pretty damn broken up about it. My mouth isn’t even able to find the center of my face. Because…. nothing in my life was lining up like it was supposed to. Not even the features on my face. I’ve got such a puny neck that it’s no wonder it was difficult…
So you haven’t seen or heard much from me recently. Why is that? The truth is I have a job now and I was working a lot of extra hours. Is that rude? When people who are working too many hours complain about it to someone who is unemployed? What do you think? It kind of feels like it’s rude to me, but yet… NOT talking about what is going on in your life because your friend has a…
Music can change my mood faster than almost anything. The music I choose depends on whether I am seeking a) a more peaceful feeling b) to brighten a sour mood c) to energize myself d) find my fighting spirit e) all of the above I still have a Playlist I created for “the final day”. Since we were given advance notice of our impending layoff, there was the day we were to come in, collect any final belongings and have…
One of the toughest things about looking for a job is dealing with rejection, whether it comes in the form of a form letter, “Thanks for your interest, however….” or having a job application ignored, or seeing someone else chosen for a job that you interviewed for. Sometimes the fear of rejection or anticipating rejection can keep people from exploring new options. If you can relate, then you should watch the very funny story of 100 Days of Rejection. Jia…
In, Emotional Stages of a Job Loss, the author suggests that similar to grief in a death, going through a job loss will put you through several emotional stages, namely: – Denial – Disbelief – Outward Anger – Inner Self-Criticism – Withdrawal – Reflection – Acceptance The author goes on to state, “By recognizing the different stages, you are able to move through them quickly, rather than languish in them for weeks.” No! no, no. Job loss and unemployment are…
Get Out of the House – Preferably Every Day Get out of your house EVERY day when unemployed (or as close as you can come). This will have a domino effect of also making you more likely to SHOWER and CHANGE your clothes which will also make you feel better. You will see OTHER PEOPLE. You can even talk to them! People are social animals, so socialize! If you are inclined to exercise with others, consider joining a gym or…