Spreading holiday cheer when jobless requires mental adjustments while stretching shopping dollars. Augment traditional spirit with a special Christmas gift - a job.
Ah, the Christmas lights glisten in the background of the morning talk shows, as the headlines blare: Unemployment Hits Record Heights. But first a word from our sponsor!
With 12 simple pointers, the laid off worker can turn a dreadful period into a tolerable situation. Many individuals experience the stress and anxiety of the holiday season but when combined with joblessness, nervous tension and apprehension may escalate to unbearable levels.
Holiday Attitude
- Positive Thinking - Is not to be confused with useless affirmations, lowered awareness and self-delusion; but is intelligent responsiveness, self-trust and understanding irrational fear. For the unemployed it should define only one current desire, be simple and not complicated. The tasks produce an optimistic quality, containing directed individual energy, allowing for a more relaxed (and enjoyable) period.
- Avoid Self Judgment - Using the SARAH model for the unemployed (Shock, Anger, Rejection, Acceptance and Help) will guide the individual through the stages necessary to become engaged. Be leery of holiday pressures that lead to personal depression, thereby slowing progress. Explain to family members budgetary constraints and requirements while using this time to expand family bonds.
- Job Hunt during the Holidays - Many businesses and government agencies have new budgets that begin January 1st. By looking for opportunities now, a job seeker exemplifies readiness, dedication and sincerity.
- Make a Schedule - Carefully plan holiday events while maintaining the job search as the central weekly theme. Plan each search day as a “work day” while using evenings to relax around constructive social and holiday events. Remain involved and avoid isolation.
- Career - Those in severely depressed professions may consider career changes. President Elect Obama has indicated his administration plans to place financial emphasis on alternative and green energy, healthcare and administration, national infrastructure and education.
- Location - When discussing changes use the period as an opportunity to bond with family. Jobs in India or Australia can generate quality vacation and educational conversations.
- Control Spending - The holiday season is full of specialty advertisements designed to attract consumers. However, as financial expert Jean Chatzky said on NBC’s special Hard Times with Brian Williams, “My general rule of thumb is, if you didn’t have it 5 years ago you don’t need it now.”
- Volunteer - “I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet.” The holiday season brings forth the best in humanity as well as numerous opportunities. From Warren Buffet to children down the street, generosity abounds. Firemen’s parades, police balls, military charities or helping the homeless delivers not only mental comfort but also employment prospects. Helping in a local hospital, school, church, or aging facility may allow interaction with persons otherwise unreachable.
- Enlist Family - A difficult action, seldom undertaken by the unemployed during the holidays, is to involve all immediate family members. The tendency to protect a spouse and children from “going without” only increases anxiety, depression and fear. Use this time to change family patterns by recruiting and accepting input from each member.
- Friends - Christmas gives excellent excuses to socialize with friends. Avoid discussions of gloom (economy, unemployment, housing and credit crises) while stressing commonalities.
- Colleagues - The season is also a perfect time to reunite with positive minded former colleagues. They may contain current information and leads about an industry. A festive, social attitude that combines large portions of holiday spirit intermixed with miniscule amounts of business talk, is paramount.
- Former Employers - a valuable resource that can give guidance and opportunity if used properly.
Copyright Frank W. Hardy. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Frank W. Hardy - Frank has 36 years of airline experience navigating every ocean & continent. Flying 25,000 hours in 42 years presents a rare historical ...
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