| We are living in a world that is suffering from | | | | government agencies, public libraries or the internet. |
| economic problems and this affects all aspects of our | | | | There shouldn't be any cost for this. |
| lives. Unemployment rates are rising and no one | | | | 6. NETWORK -Most people find work because they |
| seems to be protected from lay offs and | | | | were referred or knew someone in a company. |
| terminations even when they have given loyal service | | | | Word of mouth is often better than merely |
| to their employers for many years. This article offers | | | | answering advertisements. |
| suggestions for dealing with the loss in a healthy | | | | 7. PRACTICE SELF-CARE - Eat nutritionally, exercise, |
| manner. | | | | get plenty of rest and remember to laugh. |
| If you have recently lost your job, focus on a plan | | | | 8. TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPEARANCE - You feel |
| that includes the following steps: | | | | better about yourself and present well if you are |
| 1. DON'T PANIC: This is NOT the end of the world. | | | | practicing good hygiene, dressing attractively and |
| You need to keep things in perspective. | | | | ensuring that your hair is cut and styled neatly. |
| 2. CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS: Many individuals turn a | | | | 9. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE - You are not retied or |
| layoff situation from a horrible experience into a gift | | | | on holidays. Your job is to get a job. Often |
| by recognizing the fact that they are now free to | | | | volunteering will lead to an offer and, will enhance |
| pursue a career situation that they otherwise | | | | your resume while you support a charity with your |
| discounted. Perhaps you will consider starting a | | | | time. |
| business, working in another company or retraining in | | | | 10. STAY POSITIVE - Read or listen to something |
| another field. | | | | inspiring every day. Ensure that your self-talk is |
| 3. REVIEW YOUR STRENGTHS - Take an inventory | | | | focussed on what you can do. Seek the help of a |
| of the skills, knowledge, abilities and experience which | | | | therapist if you need help in coping and staying |
| you have gained and write a detailed list of these | | | | emotionally healthy. |
| attributes. Then give thanks for them. | | | | Being out of work can be difficult - especially if you |
| 4. BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR WEAK AREAS - | | | | did not have any warning that this would occur. You |
| Consider the things that you might feel would have | | | | can, however, turn the burden into a blessing if you |
| enhanced your career in the past. Think about how | | | | are creative and willing to work hard at developing a |
| you can learn about or develop yourself in these | | | | new career option. Through it all, your attitude can |
| areas. | | | | make a huge difference in both your well-being and |
| 5. PREPARE AN UPDATED RESUME - Research the | | | | your prospects. |
| best ways to present yourself by consulting with | | | | |