The psychological effects of unemployment are well known, is
your self-esteem at a low ebb?
The psychological effects of unemployment are well documented, the effects of low income on personal appearance and self-confidence and the social isolation that comes with low income and no job, resulting in having only very limited, if any contact with others. Also, debt issues resulting from low income have a huge effect on your position in social circles and your confidence as well as your financial standing and credit rating.
There are of course many situations that can lead to lose of
confidence and self - esteem, but there are ways that you can help yourself to
minimise the damage.
1.)
Try to keep a sense of purpose...you do still
have one!!!
Do you feel that without a job and an income you have lost
your sense of direction? Identify from your character make up and situation
now, what your purpose is and what your goals are, remember them and you will
not lose your sense of direction.
2.)
Identify your values :
What is it that you value most? , make a list, some examples
could be your home, your family, education or your faith. Target and focus
yourself by checking if your goals tie in with your values
3.)
Know what your needs are :
Unmet needs affect both your
mental and physical health, do try to take care of yourself. It can be very
difficult indeed on a limited income from benefits and having no job, but it
can become a vicious circle if you let yourself go. We all have even basic
needs and if yours are not being met then check out what help may be available
in spite of the many cuts to welfare that there have been in many countries
around the world. Check out your benefit entitlement, apply for what you can
and use advice centres such as the Citizens advice bureau to help you make the
applications for the best possible chance of success, a lot of help and advice
can be found online too. Don’t look down on things like the food bank if you
are eligible to use it, do not be too proud. If you use things like the food
bank, freeing up money to pay other bills clamouring to be paid like the mortgage,
you will do wonders for your blood pressure...take all of the little help there
is out there, check out charitable grants.
Go out and be with people, go to
job clubs quite often run by community centres and libraries and use their free
internet and heating instead of your own and be with people. Very often people
help each other to get a job or find work they can do, it’s indeed often not
what you know but who you know …
4.)
Be aware
of your passions :
What fires you up? Being unemployed with no money can be
very depressing, but do not lose sight of what inspires you. Lack of enthusiasm
for life and self-doubt are evident to others and off putting, which is
something you don’t want to seem to be, especially to those who can help you.
Remember too, to be grateful to those who have and do help you on your journey
, honour them, the best advice I was ever given came late to me in my life and
from an American lady I quite likely may never meet, but who has and does
inspire me more than she will ever understand ….I have worked in management
almost all my adult life , I have hired, fired, counselled and promoted ,
I don’t like to say too much about
myself and I always find it best to
listen before embarking on your next quest .
Embrace
silence, maybe you are not comfortable with it, but it is a wonderful thing to
be able to just sit and think and take stock…be still. Enjoy nature, a walk in
the park is free and thee days so much music and so many books are also
available online for free…enjoy the classics of books and music , educate
yourself ….check out free online courses . Music is sound yes, but very
soothing and inspiring
5.)
Recognise your strengths :
If
you do not know your strengths, then take time to identify them, it does
wonders for your self-esteem and will certainly help you with your resume and
job applications and interviews. What are your positive traits? What are your
special talents? Can you as I can write? Are you good at crafts? Many skills
can be turned into an income and new career. If you really cannot identify your
strengths then ask people who know you to help you out and while you are at it,
be brave and ask them to tell you your
weaknesses .
6.)
Help others :
Ok, you have no spare cash and cannot make donations to
charity, but even so everyone can do something to help others. Do some
voluntary work and help yourself at the same time as it can so often get you a
current reference and help you to get a job. If you are disabled and cannot do
active things get involved in online campaigning for things that concern you
and others in your position such as disability rights. There are many groups
and organisations needing support online and on social media such as Facebook.
Share your talents and passions with others, the rewards are so worthwhile and
connect you to others…. No man is an island says the famous quote and how true
it is.
Google
for more helpful advice: stay positive while you are job hunting
how
to stay positive during a long job search
how
to stay positive while looking for a job
how
to not get discouraged in job search
staying
positive while unemployed
keeping your spirits up while
unemployed
how
to stay sane when unemployed
Valerie Hedges
Valerie Hedges
