Navigating unemployment
Dealing with unemployment isn’t easy, but having a structured plan and a positive mindset can make a difference. I’ve been through it and want to share the strategies I found most effective:
1. Prioritizing the Essentials
2. Making a Plan
3. Staying Updated
4. Building Your Network
5. Staying Focused
6. Remaining Hopeful
7. Seeking Mentorship
Let’s take a closer look at each of these:
1. Prioritizing the Essentials
When you’re unemployed, looking after your physical and mental health, and managing your finances becomes even more important. This might mean taking on part-time work while looking for your next big opportunity. For me, job hunting was practically a full-time job, starting as early as 7 am and often going until 10 pm. But I also made sure to include daily activities like walks, runs, or simple workouts.
These not only helped me stay physically active but also kept my spirits up, providing a necessary break from the intensity of job searching.
2. Making a Plan
After being laid off, I developed a structured plan for myself. I aimed to apply for 8 to 10 jobs each day, as long as there were suitable openings.
Daily Planning- Image created using OpenAI’s DALL·E.
I managed my applications mainly through a dedicated email folder, but I also recommend considering job-tracking applications like Huntr, JibberJobber, or Trello. These tools can help keep your job search organized and efficient.
Example of job-tracking application [Image Source: huntr.co]
3. Staying Updated
Being unemployed can be a great opportunity to brush up on industry knowledge and skills. As a UX designer, I used this time to learn more about AI and other relevant topics. It’s important to stay current, even when job opportunities seem few and far between. This means not just updating your existing skills but also exploring new areas that interest you.
Learning AI- Image created using OpenAI’s DALL·E.
4. Building Your Network
Networking is crucial, and while it was hard for me to be vulnerable, I pushed myself to open up and ask for help. Reaching out to friends, family, and professional contacts can lead to unexpected opportunities. If your network is small, now is the perfect time to expand it. I made new connections on LinkedIn, attended networking events, and didn’t hesitate to chat with people in more casual settings. Remember, sending personalized messages when networking online shows genuine interest and can help forge stronger connections. Being open and proactive in networking, despite the initial discomfort, can truly make a significant difference.
Exploring Professional Networking Event Ideas [Image Source: ProGlobalEvents]
5. Staying Focused
What worked for me in the last few months of my unemployment was increasing my focus. I prioritized my job search, taking breaks from social media to concentrate on networking, reading, and enrolling in courses. Meditation was also a big help in keeping me centered and focused.
6. Remaining Hopeful
It’s crucial to stay hopeful, even though it can be tough. Hang in there — I get it, there were days when getting out of bed felt like the hardest thing. Been there, done that, and my emotions were all over the place! But remember, you only need one opportunity to turn things around. Persistence pays off.
I applied to over 800 jobs, went through 20 interviews, and finally landed a job. To help manage the emotional rollercoaster of job hunting, consider exploring books and podcasts focused on the job search process. They can offer valuable insights, strategies for staying resilient, and stories from others who’ve been in similar situations. This can be a great way to find comfort and motivation during your job hunt journey.
7. Seeking Mentorship
I also sought mentorship to enhance my resume, portfolio, and job market strategy. Even on a tight budget, you can benefit from following industry leaders and their advice. Their guidance can often be tailored to suit your specific situation. I reiterate that reading books and finding content from the mentor you find online can be of great help. As a UX designer, I found ‘A Designer’s Guide to Interviewing’ by Tanner Christensen particularly useful. This book provided me with valuable insights and practical tips tailored to my field, significantly aiding in my job search and interview preparation.
‘A Designer’s Guide to Interviewing’ by Tanner Christensen
In summary, my journey through unemployment taught me several key strategies for success. Prioritizing physical and mental health was crucial, as was maintaining a structured job application routine to keep my search organized. This period also presented an opportunity to enhance my skills and stay current in my field. Networking played a vital role; I pushed myself to connect with others and expanded my professional circle through platforms like LinkedIn. Staying focused and minimizing distractions were key in helping me remain centered, while maintaining hope was essential, despite the emotional challenges. Reading books and listening to podcasts about job hunting provided additional support and motivation. Seeking mentorship and advice from industry leaders proved invaluable in improving my job search strategy and interview skills. These combined approaches helped me effectively navigate through unemployment and ultimately secure a job.