7 Ways You Can Feel in Control When You’re Unemployed
If you’re unemployed at the moment, one of the biggest frustrations is feeling like you’re not in control.
You’re at the whim of others, waiting….
On your network to get back to you to schedule catch up calls
For the right jobs to apply to
To hear back from the abyss of jobs you’ve applied for
For an update on where you are in the hiring process
How do you get some control back and feel like you’re making progress?
Here are some suggestions that will not only help you get in a better frame of mind, but will also help you craft a compelling story when you inevitably get that interview (because you will, my friend).
Dabble with AI. I’m usually a late adopter (just got my Instant Pot last year), but I’m taking AI seriously. This is going to be embedded in the way we work over the next few years, so start getting comfortable using it. Best case: you might find interesting ideas for how you could apply it in your next role, which will definitely set you apart in the interview process. Worse case: you’ll have some creepy scenarios to share at your next summer BBQ, which will make you the most memorable guest.
Take free classes. There’s no shortage of free online courses from places like LinkedIn or Coursera. You’ll keep your skills and knowledge sharp, and show your commitment to lifelong learning – another plus when interviewing.
Volunteer. Good for you, good for others. And you might even meet some potential new people to network with in the process.
Read and report. Consider reading books in your targeted industry or biographies of people you admire. If you want to take it a step further, post a short summary and your reflections on LinkedIn. It will keep you top of mind to your network, help you grow your network, and potentially position you as a thought leader in your field or desired role.
Try a new hobby or pursuit. This is a great time to act on that fleeting thought you had about learning guitar or training for a 5K. It helps to remember that life isn’t all about work - you are a holistic person and life is about exploration and growth. You can also turn this into a great story during interviews or networking conversations.
Work on your beliefs. Your thoughts are the most powerful tool you have to drive your results. Spend the time to actively choose the thoughts you want to have. Work to understand and debunk the thoughts that aren’t helping you. Write down your goals. Visualize them happening. Think about who you need to be to get them. I spend 15-30 minutes every morning deliberately choosing my thoughts, reviewing my goals, and creating my beliefs.
Document your wins. Going from no job to getting an offer can feel overwhelming with all the steps in between. Take a moment each day to write down the actions you took to move you closer to your goal. I end my day with jotting down what I’m grateful for and a quick list of my daily wins. It’s amazing to look back over a week or a month and see all you accomplished. That fuels your motivation, perseverance, and confidence that you’ll make it happen.
Finding yourself out of a job is a very vulnerable time. Feel the feelings. But remember, this is just a temporary chapter (or more like a paragraph) in your life, and it does not define your worth or capabilities. Trust that better days are ahead.