Jobs are important. BUT a job is not an end all be all. Jobs give us:
1) money
2) sometimes meaning in life
3) validity in our skills
4) a chance to be noticed and seen
5) a chance to grow
These are some of the great things that jobs can do you for you. But what can you do for yourself without a job. I know, it can be depressing being unemployed, but there are a number of things that you can do to achieve all of the above. Empower yourself.
1) Find alternative and temporary positions that can give you money. Craigs List, temp agencies, and Linked in are great ways to get connected and see what is out there. Be careful not to post your resume on-line though. If you do, temp agencies do not resend your resume to those companies, which maked it harder for them to advocate for you — apparently there is a policy that they cannot send resumes you have already sent yourself. It is buried in a file already.
2) Get Creative. An interesting website to check out where you can offer a service for $5. Like to sing, write, do something interesting? Make money at Fiverr where people pay to be entertained. http://www.fiverr.com/
3) Exercise. I know what you’re thinking: I’m tired of running around all day looking for a job. I don’t need to run, bike, jog, tumble in the grass. But seriously, if you get those blood vessels dilated, you’ll probably be less stressed. And happier. And you’ll be seen. And you might run into a friend or make a friend. But nothing new will come to you unless you go out there and seeik it.
4) Volunteer. Yes, doing free work might bite. But you might make contacts and learn new skills. It’s no harm in asking questions and finding a small organization that suits your needs and its own.
Yes, being unemployed isn’t fun. But there are creative ways to make it work. Unconventionally.
If you have any suggestions or advice to share, do tell! We love you!
Obsolete When All Employed
