My Career Voyage! Charting The Course

By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator

Like an unwanted visitor who has worn out his welcome, the recession continues to hang on with no departure in sight. Uncertainty lingers as the weeks pass and unemployment benefits run out. When the interviews are far and few in between, one may wonder what they're doing wrong, when in fact they may not be doing anything wrong at all. It's just the job market that's wrong, plain and simple.

Unemployment, needless to say, is stressful. Many people just give up looking for a job or do the minimum to collect unemployment hoping to ride out the recession. Others dive in furiously doing everything they possibly can, just to be disappointed when the phone doesn't ring with news of an interview.

Looking for a job is a full-time job, and when the results of hard labor don't pan out, discouragement sets in. Some marriages suffer. Kids feel the stress, too, and miss out on all the things they used to be able to do when mom or dad had a job. Bills pile up and homes are lost. Churches and charities suffer when giving drops. Businesses suffer when profits fall. Then, more layoffs. Sound depressing?

Surviving a layoff can bring depression and other psychological affects, such as low self-confidence or self-worth. Many may feel helpless. In order to survive a layoff during this recession, or any recession, the first thing to remember is not to take it personally.

Here's some things you can do to manage unemployment.

• Join a networking group. To find networking groups in the Raleigh area, go to the events page. Attend at least one networking group regularly. Also, join an online networking group like LinkedIn and expand your network.
  
• Develop a job search strategy and set daily and weekly goals.
  
• Take some self-assessments to assess your interests, skills, personality and work values.
  
• Explore occupations where you can use your interests, skills and abilities.
  Continue to build your network by attending networking meetings and joining professional associations.
  
• Research companies and contact employees and hiring managers of these companies for informational interviews or job interviews.
  
• Attend workshops on interviewing, resume writing, and assessments.
  
• Build a career portfolio and use it during interviews. A portfolio shows that you can do the job. It consists of samples of your work, endorsements, awards and letters of recognition, etc. Portfolios build confidence.
  
• Create a business card to use when networking and to leave behind after an interview.
  
• Stay physically active and eat healthful meals.
  
• Stay united as a family. Communicate and spend meaningful time together.
  
• Manage your finances. Start by adjusting your budget.
  
• Seek help from within your church. Talk to your pastor about your situation. There may be resources available such as emergency assistance or counseling.
  

Being proactive, is the first step in taking control of the situation. To help better manage unemployment, resources to help you get through it can be found through local churches, community centers, and Department of Health and Human Services.