A Note From One Work Seeker to Another
01.10.2009 | Chris BaileyI’m noticing a lot of blogposts, articles, and other resources focused on the jobhunt, as if the reason why is a great mystery. Yep, the current recession is putting many folks (myself included) into the growing legions of unemployed professionals. I was let go from my own full-time gig last month. This isn’t my first foray into this territory, which in some ways is comforting. If this happens to be your first time out of work or if it’s been a while since your last time, hopefully I can offer some suggestions to help you deal with this experience. These are more related to your emotional well-being since this can quickly become one of the casualties of unemployment. At the end of this post, I’ll toss out some of my favorite links on how to navigate the process of getting your next best gig.
Know and trust your value.
Just because you don’t have a job doesn’t mean you have little value. There are organizations out there who are looking for you and what you can bring to them. But you’ll never benefit from this connection if you undermine your own value, sell yourself short, or convince yourself that you have little to offer. You have the ability to define your value to a prospective employer.
Focus on good mental and physical health.
Being unemployed can raise all kinds of nasty thoughts and feelings. It’s important to be mindful of these. I won’t suggest that you shouldn’t feel pissed off, sad, or confused. But the absolute worst thing that can happen is to wallow in them for so long, they take up permanent residence. Feel them and then let them go. Sort of what I call “catch and release.” Easier said than done, I know. Which is why taking care of our mental well-being needs to be connected to physical well-being.
When I feel the negative thoughts arriving and getting comfy in my head, that’s my signal that I need to get out for a walk or run or bike ride. I plug into my iPod and get my heart pumping. And I’ve also lost some weight in the process, too.
Get social so you don’t get sucked into the cycle of depression.
If being out of work has reminded me of anything, it’s the importance of having a support network. Friends, family, and even acquaintances have been terrific in offering their support. It’s as true now as it was the last time I was out of work.
But here’s something else I’ve come to believe: you get what you give. My social network has grown wider and deeper, which was happening prior to being unemployed. And with that strong social network, I’ve come to realize that I can help other job seekers. For instance, I’m working with another workseeker, Alora Chistiakoff to put together a Jobhunters United Tweetup here in Austin. The point is that you don’t have to go through this experience alone.
Other helpful resources…
Here’s a set of resources that I’m finding extremely helpful right now.
- Job-hunting? Don’t apply and fill, create and pitch from Rosa Say
- Overwhelmed with possibilities when plotting your career? Try this approach from Pamela Slim
- Is Your Head Spinning From All the Career Advice You’ve Been Reading? and Serendipity and Your Job Search from Heather Mundell
- A Radical Approach to Being Laid Off: When Just Surviving Just Isn’t Good Enough! from Bill Crawford
- Using the Social Web to Find Work ebook from Chris Brogan
- 100+ Smart Ways to Use LinkedIn from Linked Intelligence
And don’t be shy to add some of your faves here, too. Just post them in the comments area.
9 Responses to “A Note From One Work Seeker to Another”
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Nice post Chris. I was notified by my employer in November that my position was being moved overseas, and I would be laid off at the end of January. The day is coming closer, and I’ve experienced the range of emotions that you’ve alluded to. I think your points regarding your personal network are on the mark, so much so that I’ve been expanding my network online.
Good luck in the job hunt! I’m looking forward to meeting at an Austin tweetup soon.
Chris – I’m self-employed and it’s tough out there for us too. I appreciate the example you set by helping others, even as you are in the same boat. Your upbeat, positive energy shines through. May your talents find a new home soon!
Hey Alexander, keep the faith in yourself. And definitely stay in touch. I think one of the lessons gained from being out of a full-time gig is that relationships are important. And we take these relationships with us and build on them when we do find ourselves employed.
Deb, you make a great (and unfortunate) point that none of us are really immune when economic conditions sour. I hope you and other solo professionals are not only able to weather the storm, but come away stronger from the challenge. As always, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you.
While all the standard stuff applies about having a great resume, practicing your interview skills and whatnot, it’s also a good time to look in uncommon places for jobs. If your skill set or industry isn’t doing well, switch into another. This isn’t the time to open a dog walking business. People who run housecleaning companies are being hard hit, as are those who (or work in) car washes (not that they’re your audience, Chris). People forgo time saving services. What can you provide that’s a critical, sustainable product or service?
Catch and release?!! Now that’s a great concept!
Hi Marsha, many thanks for your comment. I think you hit on something important here: not all industries are floundering. In down markets, some actually thrive. There was an interesting piece on NPR yesterday talking about how individuals were scaling back on major luxuries and spending on smaller ones. It appears to be a good time to be in liquor sales, dayspas, and bankruptcy law (see Little Luxuries Faring Well In Flagging Economy).
It’s more competitive out there for job seekers. We just have to be even more resourceful and aware of the uncommon opportunities that may exist under noses.
It is a good time to volunteer, not only would one get to meet some new people. It also allows a person to be a part of something and contribute to the community.
You embody this advice and underlying values as i can personally attest. here’s to the next chapter of your life adventure as you now want to lead it – and to our getting to continue to learn from you as you do, via this blog conversation.
I truly believe that this is the time for more opportunity makers like you – who seek and speak to the sweet spot of mutual interest so you gain attention, credibility and interest of the Bailey brand of value-building collaboration.
I look forward to finding a way we can collaborate and share a success together.
@Michael, you’re absolutely right…another bit of good advice. Along with the solid reasons you give, you can also learn a new skill or try on a different career option. Thanks for adding to the dialogue.
@Kare, oh you’re way too kind as always
I believe that like attracts like. So I know there are great opportunities for us to collaborate in the future. We all have the ability to create opportunities and build what we want in this world. Cheers!