Seeing the Positive in Unemployment Is That Really Possible -

Seeing the Positive in Unemployment Is That Really Possible -Its not always easy when youre unemployed, and you have been for a while. Youre going through a very challenging time, and Im not making light of it. I know it can be stressful and frustrating. To see the positive in unemployment you have to look for opportunity.The Opportunity to Socialize (errr network)The worst thing you can do is become a recluse. Most of the time, people do this out of a sense of shame or embarrassment about being unemployed, and this leads them to avoid family and friends. And it can be even mora serious. The depression brought on by the realization that we are NOT, in fact, indispensablecompounded by the stress that comes from worrying about financescan cause people to withdraw from societal relationships and seek an isolated existence. Keep in mind that youll get through this difficult time much more easily if you accept the support other people can offer. In addition, during this time its importa nt to network lunches, informational interviews, telling those you know about what you do and what youre looking for can open many doors of opportunity.The Opportunity to Figure Out What You Want to Be When You Grow UpSo many clients tell me that theyre still trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. Well, nows the perfect time to figure it out Do some soul searching volunteer for organizations you care about explore opportunities in areas you think you might be interested in, and talk to people who are currently doing what you think you might want to do ask questions and get more information. This is a great time to hold informational interviews with contacts who are successful in their given industry. Go here to read about using Informational Interviews to your advantage. The statistics of people who arent doing what they LOVE to do are staggering. Use this as your opportunity to figure out what you LOVEand then pursue that.The Opportunity to be PositiveStudies conducted on the average length of a job search during the 2008-2009 economic downturn found that job seekers who maintained a positive disposition and outlook about their job search found work much more quickly than those who viewed their situation with extreme negativity. Theres something to be said about positivity. I think the quote Whether you think you can or whether you think you cant, youre right fits perfectly here. Use this time to believe in yourself and THINK YOU CAN. Because YOU CAN and YOU WILL.The Opportunity to Invest in YourselfI coach clients through career changes and gaps in employment as part of our resume development process. One of the first questions we ask clients with gaps or unemployment in their career history is what did you do during the gap? What did you do while you were a stay-at-home mom? Chances are they volunteered, ran committees, planned projects, meetings, trips, took classes, continued their education, received new certificationsthe list coul d go on and on. So heres my pointif youre unemployed, look for the opportunity to invest in yourself (and your future career). Take classes, earn credentials or certifications, participate in events, volunteer. And keep track of what youre doing in the gap. Because that information can be invaluable in your job searchand on your resume.Unemploymentor a gap in employment on your resumeisnt the end of the world or the demise of your job search or career. Look for the opportunity The opportunity to socialize/network, to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. To be positive and to invest in yourselfall while conducting your job searchSpeaking of socializing, I mean networking Lets network on LinkedIn You can send me an invite here.