At first, being unemployed might seem like the worst thing that could happen to you. However, everything has its blessings and this is very much true when it comes to losing your job too. Granted, it’s difficult to accept that being unemployed can actually be a good thing. Especially, if you’ve gotten to the point where you’ve applied for about fifty job roles, gone for two interviews and all you’ve received in return is rejection.
However, it’s important to recognise that rejection is only a redirection. So if you’re currently unemployed, this is the right time to reassess your career path, position yourself strategically and make the best of being unemployed. Here’s how:
1. Find out what you really want
Being unemployed gives you the perfect opportunity to use your time to reflect and evaluate yourself. What is it that you really want out of your career that your previous job didn’t seem to offer you? What are you truly passionate about? Maybe you’ve been thinking about a career change for a while now, this could be the right time to pursue it.
2. Avoid negative thinking
When you’ve finally decided on what you want to do, it will quickly dawn on you that the job-hunting process can be quite stressful. The day-to-day activity of applying for jobs and going to interviews can often feel like a job in itself. However, especially, during this time it’s important to maintain a positive attitude. Negative thoughts and thinking can harm your job search. It does not only affect your attitude but also your confidence.
Once you’ve spent some time job hunting, also make sure to use your space-time to do the things you love.
3. Perfect or learn a new skill
Yes, you might be unemployed but that doesn’t mean you have to act like it. In order to make the best out of being unemployed, it’s important to get in the habit of keeping yourself busy. Make a conscious decision to invest in yourself by learning and doing new things. Also, learning a new skill will not only enhance your career but will also benefit you in many other ways.
According to research, learning new skills improves your memory over time and it keeps your brain sharp and active. The internet offers a lot of resources when it comes to learning new things. You can find great videos on YouTube that will teach you how to learn various new skills.
And guess what?! It’s free.
4. Get a side hustle
If you have a dream of one day starting your blog or business… Now, is the right time to make use of all that ‘extra’ time! If there’s no opportunity knocking at your door, why not create your own? Getting a side hustle can be as simple as selling some unused and valuable items on eBay, Gumtree or any other online marketplace.
If you are a natural talent when it comes to writing articles, designing web graphics or creating DIY products, start looking into opportunities or get involved with temporary projects.
Getting a side hustle is a great way to build your personal brand and portfolio and to position yourself as an expert in your field of work which eventually might lead to the next career opportunity.
