Unemployment and Christmas are not two words we generally want to hear put together in the same sentence. Strategies to cope with unemployment at Christmas time when gifts need to be purchased and the bills need to be paid are critical to surviving. While losing a job is never convenient, it can be disastrous just before Christmas. Screaming and punching a pillow might just release a little bit of steam. However, this won’t remedy the situation in the long run. Let’s mourn the loss and get on with finding the best coping strategies for being unemployed at Christmas.
Announce It
One coping strategy is to announce it. Don’t be shy! Let everyone know that you are now unemployed with Christmas coming up. Share your job skills and areas of interest. Networking is one of the most beneficial ways to find jobs and be gainfully employed once more. Most people are more than glad to share their knowledge of businesses that are hiring as well as fill open positions in their workplace to lessen their work load. The more ears you have out there the more informed you will be. So, go ahead! Announce it!
Work On Your Resume
Now is the perfect time to update your resume to have it ready to share when an opportunity presents itself. If you don’t have one then create one. Google self help videos on professional resumes to find good examples to follow. Define yourself and your qualifications with professional terminology like persuasive, proficient, confident, productive, facilitated, negotiated, and resolved. Double check your contact information for accuracy. Working on your resume now will occupy your time and focus in a positive way.
Plan A Job Search Map
Plan a job search map for everything from your dream job to acceptable positions in your area. Determine what your goals are for salary, benefits, scheduling, and the distance you would have to travel to get to work and back. Keep a notebook of businesses, their addresses, phone number and contacts of whom you spoke to. Date each entry. Take into consideration seasonal work though it is temporary to help bring in a little income in the meantime. Check back on all the leads given to you. Make a plan to search out every job on your map.
Control Your Spending
Control you spending ASAP! Minimize all unnecessary spending. Focus THIS Christmas on the REAL reason we celebrate the holiday. Jesus’s birth is the greatest gift to all mankind. Not to burst anyone’s bubble but there is no Santa! Sorry Starbucks! You are going to have to be put on the back burner for now. Eating out will have to become eating in for a while. Shop with a list for the most basic items needed. Rethink your Christmas gift list. Everyone will understand. Create a bare bones budget and stick to it. Keep your credit card charges for emergencies only. Control your spending. You’ll be glad you did later.
Find Emotional Support
Find emotional support to help you walk it out. Do not internalize your feelings at this time but discuss them. Kicking yourself while you are down is self defeating. Stay hopeful! God designed work to be an integral part of our lives. Remember to pray and lean into your faith for hope and peace right now. God is only a prayer away and He can open doors for you that no one else can. Lay it down in His most capable hands. He’s got you! Destress by working on projects around the house or neglected hobbies. Spend time with the family. Go for a walk or take the family hiking. Physical activity helps destress and is good for you. Listen to family member’s and close friend’s advice. An emotional support system will keep all systems moving forward.
This Too Shall Pass
This too shall pass. Before long you will be back to work making new financial plans for you and your family. One thing that I have learned over the years is that finances can be a very fluid thing. There is feast and sometimes famine to be had. Every experience teaches us something. Losing a job just before Christmas does too. Don’t give up hope! Hang in there! You will survive and maybe even come out of this on a much better note jobwise. These strategies will help you cope when you are unemployed just before Christmas so that you can celebrate on the right track. Choose to be merry anyway because this will pass!
All great ideas
Thank you~