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Whatever your particular situation, not working means you don’t have an income, and/or you could get seriously depressed or discouraged, and your financial situation could be deeply worrying.
Sleeping all day, watching TV all day or just hanging around in your pyjamas just won’t help you at all to build your confidence, or find you any kind of employment. It will just suck you into a negative vortex from which it is difficult to emerge.
Here are a few ideas on keeping up momentum:
Have a routine.
Structure your day and keep to regular hours. Get up at the same time, get dressed, go for a walk, run some errands, do some job hunting, wash the dishes – in short, do whatever needs to be done, but build it into a routine.
Get some exercise.
It gets you out of the house and into some fresh air (or the gym if you’re still a member), it helps burn some energy, reduces your chances of weight gain and helps to fight depression. Amazing what a brisk walk of half an hour can achieve – and it’s free.
Do some volunteer/charity work.
It doesn’t bring in the cash, but it does give you some experience and it looks good on a CV. Work hard – it might lead to something. It’s also good to see people who have less than you do.
Get your CV together.
Should someone ask for it, have a copy ready to give to them as soon as possible. Make sure it is updated. It shows you are serious about finding work.
Be prepared to do anything legal.
This is not the time to be fussy – be prepared to try anything, even it is looks daunting. Babysit, wash cars, wait tables, clean gardens. You’ll be earning more than you would lying in front of the TV.
Help around the house.
If you’re not contributing to the household in cash, contribute in time and effort, otherwise your presence could soon be resented. Do the jobs no one else wants to do.
Go hiking with friends.
It’s free, it’s good exercise and you get to see people you like. Whatever you do, don’t lose touch with your friends – you need them right now. Go out for coffee, but don’t waste your cash on eating out.
Go to the library.
It’s also free – and it’s both educational and good entertainment. Also check the notice boards for job ads.
Check internet job ads.
On job sites new ads come in every day. Keep your eyes open for something which might suit you.
Minimise your expenditure.
Stay away from the shops and don’t make new debts. Buying stuff on credit will not cheer you up.
Susan Erasmus is a freelance writer.
