Dear Kayla,
Dealing with unemployment is better said than done. It's different for everyone, but I guess I wrote this so maybe someone else won't feel so alone. For me it's temporary, meaning I work part-time at a college but clocked few hours over the summer and am now "off" until the fall. I've been using this time (and my last paychecks) to pursue my first full-time, salary with benefits, "real" job. It has thus far been unsuccessful. I'm not going to play this off cool at all--I feel like a wreck. I'm not coping well. The worst part is feeling idle. I like being a useful, contributing member of society. I get so restless, my sleep schedule is wack, I procrastinate--I have generally dragged my feet through this period of my life. Then I start to think that maybe there is something I can learn from unemployment. First of all that I should not base the whole of my self worth on my job or the brutal opinion of the job market. So these are methods I use to deal. If you're also unemployed, pick and choose if they sound good to you, Tell me ways you deal. Mostly know you're not alone.
READ MORE BLOGS
If you're like me you put almost all your work into sending applications. I (sometimes) have confidence in my abilities, but it seems to me that the job hunt is an elaborate game to prove your worth. In seeking advise I found
Ask A Manager this great blog by Alison Green with *valuable* info about hiring from an employer/hiring manager's perspective. I took a break from sending applications and applied some of her advise.
WORK ON DEM SKILLZ
Just because I'm not in school or going to work doesn't mean can't improve myself. Just like a millennial I've turned to an app. Duolingo helps me practice my Spanish with grammar, vocab, and speaking lessons. It also keeps track of my practice, so I love it. Magoosh has added 25 semi-pretentious words to my vocabulary so far; it's the official GRE vocabulary builder app. And lastly the Goodreads app is a standard for book lovers. I learn about new releases, read and write reviews, and keep track of my own reading goals.
VOLUNTEER
It's a feel good kind of activity. Volunteering with a local arts non-profit has really saved me because ...I miss working. That may sounds crazy, but it's true. I've loved being involved with my community--I can't believe I didn't do this sooner! It is loads better than the internship option, more flexible and more rewarding. Get used to hearing 'thank you!' all the time. I learn, meet people, work, and *put it on my resume*. I absolutely recommend it.
GO OUTSIDE
At least open the window. Summers in the Georgia are humid as hell. My apartment gets stuffy and being inside all day makes me feel claustrophobic. Open the door and look at a sunset and take a deep breath. Maybe change your work environment; sit on the porch if you have one or go out to a coffee shop, there is a nice one (with books!) close to my house. I also like taking walks with Seth. We both live close to Grant Park and the neighborhood has lots of Little Free Libraries! Sometimes you just need that delicious fresh air.
FEED YO SELF
It's hard to remember, I know. So take a break! Some days I've gotten so consumed in the job hunt, time passes and its suddenly midnight. It sounds so silly, but remember to breakfast, lunch,
and dinner. Drink lots of that H2O. Combine meals with breaks. Eat breakfast and read a book. Share lunch with a friend. Have a cut off time when you stop work for the day and relax. Oh! Don't forget your body either! I'm a fan of #stopdropandyoga, but even if you're not find some FUN way to burn all that excess energy and make more. Like bike rides! Take a "weekend" or some version of it. I went hiking with Paul and Seth last Sunday and it really cheered me up. I'm craving some semblance of a routine, so breaks really help me out.
FIND A CREATIVE OUTLET
Express all that frustration, anger, apathy, or whatever it is and MAKE SOMETHING. Kayla has happily let me borrow her watercolor set, and something about that soft, fluid medium is so relaxing for me. I'm also a fan of collage and have been making regular journal entries all year. This blog good too for that too;)
Currently Reading:
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
2015 Job Applications Submitted So Far: 36
Taylor Swift Song of the Month:
Treacherous
