What To Do When Unemployed: Actionable Steps for Job Seekers

Unemployment is not a pleasant experience, and there's no denying that.

But it is important to remember that being unemployed is not a permanent situation. In fact, at times, they can rather be blessings in disguise.

It is natural if you are feeling a strong emotional torrent and are unsure what to do next.

You might have googled "what to do when unemployed" to quench your wary mind. And that's how you got here.

Well, God does work in a mysterious way!

We have got you covered. Whether you're a recent graduate or someone who's been laid off, this guide will give you the knowledge and tools you need to navigate this phase successfully.

When Can You Consider Yourself to Be Unemployed?

You are considered unemployed if you are not currently working but are actively seeking employment.

This means that you are available to take a job and have taken steps to find a job, such as contacting employers or applying for positions.

You will not fall into this category if you are not working and actively seeking employment. For example:

• if you are retired
• a stay-at-home parent
• or a full-time student

Causes of Unemployment

Several factors may cause a period of joblessness. Sometimes it may be forced, while at other times, it may be voluntary. You can find some of the most common causes of unemployment listed below.

1. Unfulfilling job role

It is frustrating to be in a job role that aligns differently from what you want to do.

You had your expectations rooted in that job, and it turned out contrary to those expectations.

You will feel miserable and lose your motivation to work or even take care of the things that are important to you.

Having an unfulfilling job can also be influenced by company culture. If you want to avoid this, you should learn about the organization's culture before joining.

All of such unpleasing factors may create a feeling of dissatisfaction, and you may voluntarily leave your job.

2. Moving to a new location

Moving to a new place is overwhelming, but moving without a job lined up is even more terrifying.

However, there may come a time when you have to move to a new place. It can be for different reasons:

• To look for a better job or career advancement
• To work somewhere closer to family
• To experience a change in culture
• To challenge your limits
• Or any other relevant reason

In such an instance, you must leave your current job and start your search for a potential employer.

3. Layoffs

A layoff occurs when your employer terminates your employment for reasons unrelated to your performance. Some reasons for layoff can be:

• Winding up of company
• To cut cost
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Offshoring of operations

Whatever may be the reason, a layoff can make you lose your job temporarily or permanently.

4. Job outsourcing

Outsourcing is hiring a third party to handle business functions that were previously handled in-house.

Companies may decide to lay off workers to transition to outsourcing, or they may hire outsourced workers to do the same job at a lower price.

The main reason for doing this is to cut costs by taking advantage of cheap labor.

5. Being fired

Another situation, where one can lose his job, is when he gets fired. There may be various reasons behind this, such as:

• Stealing from the workplace
• Violating company policies
• Failing to perform your duties
• Committing a crime
• Frequent absenteeism

11 Things to do When You Are Unemployed

Being unemployed can be stressful with an uncertain future. However, you can take steps to improve your situation and find a new job. It's important to stay positive and take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, while you are looking for work.

Now, we'll explore some of the things you can do to sail through this phase.

1. Take some time before diving in.

You might become impatient during this phase and try to seize every chance for a full-time job. The key, however, is to take your time before choosing the right job.

We all know how demanding a job can be. Take this time to retrospect and understand what you want to do. Otherwise, you will end up miserable in a job you don't enjoy.

You can use the time you spend unemployed to take an honest inventory of your career and personal life.

Spend some time understanding yourself and your future goals.

2. Keep a schedule.

It's okay to take a break and relax sometime. But it would be best if you do not make it a habit.

If you start your day early and keep a schedule, it will give you a sense of control and help you avoid falling into the trap of procrastination.

It's easy to get lost in the loop of nothingness while unemployed. The last thing you want to do is become a binged-watching couch potato.

3. Take up a new hobby or pick up an existing one.

A job can be demanding, and you may often need more free time to spare. But when you don't have any deadlines to meet, you can pick up that hobby you have always wanted to.

You can choose from a range of new activities such as gardening, painting, singing, or even pick up on that old interest.

A hobby can open up new possibilities in your life and pave the way for a new career.

4. Reflect and pen down your experiences.

During the phase of unemployment, you may often find yourself in a surge of emotions such as fear, sadness, and worry.

Reflecting on your thoughts and experiences and transcribing them can be therapeutic and cathartic. It will help you gain perspective and understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.

It can also serve as a way to document personal growth and progress. Highlighting what you have achieved and how you overcame obstacles is a great way to build confidence and self-awareness.

5. Attend workshops and seminars.

Professionals looking for employment can benefit greatly from workshops and seminars. You can learn new aspects, gain other perspectives, and keep up with the latest industry trends by attending them.

These events are also a great place to connect with industry experts. You may even gain the opportunity to meet with other professionals in your field and learn about their experiences.

6. Improve your skills.

The world is constantly changing, and so are the ways we work. Being out of work may be the ideal opportunity to improve your skills or even pick up new ones.

Even If you consider pivoting into a different career, this phase is crucial for learning skills that will help you transition. As an applicant, strengthening your arsenal of skills will improve your chances, regardless of the career path you decide to follow.

You can think about the following for developing the necessary skills:

• Consider joining a college or university program for formal education
• Contact a mentor in the field you are considering and ask about an apprenticeship.
• Do an internship
• Consider joining courses available in that field.

You will need more than your hard skills to get you far in life or your career. So, remember to invest time and effort in soft skills alongside your technical skills.

Honing your all-in-all skillset will help you tackle those tough interview questions.

7. Build connections: Both online and offline.

The importance of networking in your professional and personal life cannot be overstated. You will miss important opportunities if you fail to create meaningful connections.

Job postings on job boards are just the tip of the iceberg. Most businesses prefer to fill their openings through referrals rather than posting all of them on job boards.

If you can build your network, you can easily tap into those opportunities and grab the right job.

Some strategies for creating deep connections can include:

• Attend industry networking events to connect with people from your field or interest.
• Use social media like Linkedin or Twitter to connect with people and participate in industry conversations.
• Be active in online communities and show your expertise
• Offer help to people who can use your expertise; This will create a name for yourself.

8. Update your resume.

Before starting your job search, buckle up and work on your resume.

A resume is the first thing that your recruiter will see. It doesn't matter how talented you are; if your resume fails to make an impact, your efforts will be in vain.

Take your time and update it, keeping in mind what you have learned so far. Some of the basic things you can consider while updating your resume can be:

• Your contact information
• Your employment history
• Your skills and qualifications
• The overall format of your resume
• Your objective or summary statement to align it with your current career goal

In addition to your resume, you need to work on your potential references and a good cover letter. It will come handy while standing out among the large pool of applicants.

9. Try freelancing and volunteering for small projects.

Freelancing and volunteering can be great ways to hone your skills while working on interesting projects.

You can work flexibly and establish significant relationships at the same time while freelancing. The assignments will serve as your portfolio as you sell recruiters on your employability.

Giving back to your community and having a positive impact through volunteering can be a fulfilling experience. It will add meaning to your life by giving back to your community.

10. Focus on emotional well-being.

Emotional well-being is concerned with your emotional health. It includes managing your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively and having a sense of satisfaction and purpose in life.

Being out of work can quickly make you lose control and turn you into a shell of yourself. It can be a tough time making you feel overwhelmed or depressed.

To stay motivated and navigate this storm, you must be emotionally healthy. You can focus on your emotional well-being in various ways, such as:

• Practice self-care by going to the gym, eating healthy, or practicing yoga.
• Stay positive about your situation
• Seek support from your close people if required
• Stay connected with family and friends
• Take rest and calm your mind

11. Don’t forget to fill out job applications.

You're not at a standstill during your time without a job. It is just the opportunity to experiment and find out your true self. And what's common in an experiment?

Trial and error!

Apply for many similar openings at once as it will bring better scope of being placed. Few suggestions you can consider are:

• Jobs that you are qualified for
• Roles that piqued your interest in your field
• Opportunities you'd like to explore outside your field

Moving Forward

The period of unemployment is always seen through a bleak lens, but it doesn't have to be all bad.

Every season brings a new flavor and meaning to our life. The winter can be harsh if you are a grasshopper from the fable and don't work during the summers. Use your free time to set yourself up for future career success and make positive things happen.

Accept your emotions; they are your body's response to the changes. But don't get fixated on a vicious cycle of grief and regret.

Fasten your newfound strategies and start cooking up new tales!

People also asked

1. How do you survive being unemployed?

Even though being unemployed can be challenging, you can get through it with careful planning and a positive outlook. Consider the tips below to help you get through this challenging time.

• Prepare a budget and strictly follow it
• Cut down on expenses as much as you can
• Look for part-time jobs and freelance work to supplement your income
• Have an open mind and be flexible
• Seek support from your family and friends

2. Does the length of your unemployment make it harder to find work?

When you are unemployed for a long period, it may make the employer draw a bias on you; they may take you as a blunt knife. You can tactfully avoid this situation by upskilling, taking courses, working on individual projects, or volunteering. All of These will help you answer the career gap.

3. Should you disclose that you're unemployed?

Answers are word games, and the choice of words decides your fate during an interview. Instead of telling your employer that you are unemployed, you can tell that you are open to new opportunities and ready to experiment. It shows that you are open to new ideas and willing to learn.

4. Does being unemployed have an impact on your personality?

A period of unemployment can be depressing and may affect your mental health. But the impact depends on the individual. Some may be resilient to it and bounce back, while others may take time to get back on their feet. It is important to have a positive attitude and take care of yourself.As they rightly said, changing your mindset is the biggest gamechanger.