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Leaving a Job - Coping with Unemployment confused person

Being unemployed means that you do not have a job.  Not having a job can be hard for a number of reasons. Some people become bored and restless when they are not working - they lack structure in their lives.  Some people feel badly about themselves because they cannot find a job.   A lot of people struggle financially because they are not making money when they are unemployed.  While being unemployed is very hard, there are things you can do about it.

Tips for coping with unemployment:
  1. Be persistent with your job search.  Although it can be discouraging if you have been looking for a job for a long time with no success, keep on trying.  You are more likely to find a job if you are putting in the time and effort to find one.  You might have to search for a job for six months or longer.
  1. Broaden your job search.  If you have been unemployed for several weeks or months, you may need to be less picky about what type of job you are looking for.  You may have to take a job that pays less money until you find a more desirable job. 
  1. Tip

    In order to continue receiving unemployment benefits, you must be actively looking for a job and you cannot turn down any suitable job offers.
    Find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits (also called unemployment insurance or unemployment compensation) is money given to eligible people who are out of work.  It is a type of welfare. The way unemployment benefits are determined is different for each state.  Your state should have its own Unemployment Insurance Program, which includes a website and physical location (office). 

    icon of computer To find out information about your state’s unemployment benefits, do a search through Google by typing in your state, and the words "Unemployment Insurance” (examples: “South Carolina Unemployment Insurance” or “Wyoming Unemployment Insurance”).

    Once you have found your state’s Unemployment Insurance Program website, you will find information about the next steps to determine your eligibility. Typically, you must register for unemployment in order to receive unemployment benefits.  That means you file a claim for unemployment or apply for unemployment benefits. In most states, you can do this online, in person, or over the phone.
    icon of two people This process can be very confusing and require a lot of organization.  Therefore, it is recommended that you have a friend, teacher, family member, or counselor help you.

  2. Maintain a routine or daily schedule.  When people are unemployed, they may lack structure in their lives.  This means that they lack the routine of getting up and going to work.  Many people are happiest when they have a routine, and their lives are structured.  It helps prevent boredom and depression.  If you are unemployed, you should still maintain a daily routine. 

    Here is how you might maintain a daily routine:

    icon of alarm clockSet an alarm and wake up at the same time each day (Monday - Friday).

    icon of person sleeping Sleep late on the weekends only. WHY
     
     icon of to do lsitMake a “to do” list. This list should include specific job-search  tasks, household chores, and important errands.

    3. icon of clockGo to bed around the same time each night (Monday - Friday).

  3. Coping with depression:

    If you are unemployed for a long period of time, it can lead to depression.  If you think you are depressed or someone else has told you that you act depressed, please contact a counselor or mental health professional to help you. 

    To find a mental health provider in your state, use a search engine such as Google and type in your state and key words. For example, "North Carolina, depression, mental health services."

    Symptoms of depression include:

    • Feeling sad most of the time
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Feeling tired or fatigued most of the time
    • Loss of energy most of the time
    • Change in appetite (eating much more than usual or much less than usual)
    • Considerable weight loss or weight gain
    • Feeling worthless or bad about yourself a lot of the time
    • Not caring about things you used to care about
    • Having thoughts of death or hurting yourself
    Keep busy. Sometimes people tend to feel down or depressed when they have little to do during the day, when they lack structure, or when they are bored. Therefore, it is important for you to keep yourself busy. In addition to searching for a job, which is a time-consuming task, engage in other activities to keep busy.

    Here are some ideas for things to do to keep you busy:

    icon of person smilingVolunteer work. why

    icon of classroomTake a class to expand your career options. For example, you might take a computer course, a design course, or a foreign language course.

    icon of two people Join a new social group or club.

    icon of art supplies Learn a new hobby or skill.

    icon of familyVisit with friends and family.

    icon of reading Read.

    icon of exerciseExercise.

    icon of deep breathPractice coping strategies to help you stay calm.
Key Points
  • Be persistent in your job search.
  • Broaden your job search to different types of jobs.
  • Find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • Maintain a routine or daily schedule.
  • Make a “to do” list for each day that includes job-search tasks, household chores, and important errands.
  • Keep busy.
  • Talk to someone who you trust to help you cope with feelings of sadness and stress.

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