While scrolling through Instagram the other day, I saw a post by a gal I follow; highlighting one big thing that has happened to her for the last ten years. I have never done anything half as impressive as donating a kidney to a friend! However, I have been pretty self-reflective lately, and well since I am unemployed, I have a bit more time on my hands. The post inspired me to sit down and contemplate what my own list would look like.
I started with the last 10 years and I was pleasantly surprised. I have had some crazy milestones so far! It puts life into perspective when you think back on the one key moment of your life, for each year. I decided to take it further, and looked back on 20 years. So many ups and downs, massive life changes and small moments that actually ended up being rather pivotal key moments in my life. Things that made me sad, and things that made me laugh and remember the moment like it was yesterday. I have had an amazing life so far, and I am incredibly grateful for it. This list check made me realise, that while you are focusing on days and weeks – life has a habit of getting busy. Even when you aren’t really taking note of it, its creating moments that you will later look back on.
In the blink of an eye, 20 years goes by pretty fast. In 1997, I was 15. It was the year I got my first ever job. Ha! It was a job at the local Wimpy, as a waitress. Earning a small sum of R5 an hour, a total of R25 a day, working weekends and school holidays. The best part of the job was getting a free burger, chips and a coke. Flip, I loved that job! I saved up and bought a Smashing Pumpkins double CD with my first paycheck. Took me about 3 months, but I was so stoked when I could afford it! It was the first time in my life that I felt the true meaning of work hard and you can earn “good” money. And later, I look back and realize the lesson really was: when you enjoy your job – money actually doesn’t matter as much.
After reflecting, I realised, this is first time in 20 years that I have not earned some kind of income. Either part time or full time, I have always had a job. Right now, I am unemployed, and I am not too sure how I feel about that. I have been really focused on being more kind to myself this year. I believe that when you keep positive, good things happen. But I’m kinda not sure how to take being unemployed. At first I will admit, it made me panic. What the heck am I doing with my life?! But then I thought about it some more… I guess I realise now that you have to sometimes accept that this might be an obstacle to guide you on a path to something bigger and better. So here is hoping that this short break, leads to great things, and the best new job! In the meantime, here are my 5 tips for handling unemployment:
5 tips to handle being unemployed Click To Tweet1. Get a routine
I am enjoying naturally waking up at a normal time, without an alarm clock. At first, I slept in, but now I seem to naturally wake up, feeling well rested. In order to feel this way, I know I need to have a routine. It also means I still need to get to bed early, to get good night’s rest.
2. Plan outings
I have been fortunate to make a few friends, who are either stuck in a similar situaton, or know exactly what I am going through. Who ever says that they arrived in Ireland and found a job quick quick – LIES. Or have been incredbily lucky. It has been hard to get a job here in Ireland – the T&C’s and admin is super confusing! And I don’t seem to be the only one with this experience. It has been nice to meet up with these new friends, have a coffee and just get out the house and away from applying for jobs for a short while.
3. Get active
I walk Jack every day. It has been so great to have the time to run when I want to, and walk when I want to too. We are lucky to live close to several parks as well as a beach – so our walks are never boring! The fresh air and bit of sweat is really important to keeping your mood positive.
4. Get those odd “jobs” done
Ever find that when you actually have a job, you never get to take that short course you wanted to do, or read that blog post you have saved in your email? I have a ton of things on this list, and it is great that now I have the time to actually do some of them.
5. Find a creative outlet
For me, that is blogging, but for you it could be reading, or crafts, or perhaps even cooking? I also have a great adult colouring-in book that a friend gave me before I left SA that I love. Maybe you have always wanted to bake, or draw, or write poems? Find something that is completely for fun, and let your creativity flow. It helps to destress and distract you while you wait for call backs.
Lastly, enjoy the down time and rest up. Take a nap and binge on series if you really feel like it. When that new job comes knocking, it will be hard work and very little room for play – so make the most of your free time while you have it. Most importantly, keep being positive, the right job could be just a click or a phone call away. Trust that everything will work out as it should, and remember that you are an asset to any team. The right job will come at the right time.
Ever been unemployed, how did you handle it?
Unlock the simple life,
~Meg~
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I was unemployed for a while before I moved to the UK (completely unplanned to be unemployed months before moving, but that’s what life throws at you) and then obviously for a bit when I first got here. I was incredibly lucky to secure temp work within two months, and had moved onto a permanent position within five. And I know I got lucky!! My boyfriend moved here in January and he’s still looking. It’s such a rough thing to deal with, so I know your feels! Keep on, keeping on!
It’s awesome that you’re taking a positive outlook on something you find hard! You’re right – the right job will come at the right time. Your tips for making your time productive are great as well!
wow i really love the idea of making a list of big events of the last decade. its so easy to feel like life is passing you by without having achieved anything. Im going to do this. As for being unemployed, I have been and its so easy to get demotivated. Getting a routine and getting out of the house – you need to have a purpose, so find it, even if its not a job
Good post. So real because trust me, i have been there too
Thanks for sharing this Meg. I can definitely relate. Im currently “unemployed” you could say – i have some side hustles but in my parents eyes im unemployed lol. Just take it as time to really reflect on what you really want out of life. Go to new places. Learn new skills. Meet new people. Try new things. You’ll come out of it with a clearer sense of which direction to go! Best of luck!
I was working for the last 13 years in a job I felt sucked life out of me than give me life. Recently changing my profession a bit but sometimes I wish I could work from home and have a good income while at the same time doing things in a creative outlet.
So I’m partially unemployed but employed (if that makes any sense). Lol but the creative outlet is all I think about.
I’ve been unemployed for parts of my life, and these are good tips. Especially getting active and planning outings.
We were unemployed about 7 years ago. It was scary, but also the most insightful time of our marriage. We learned to rely on each other in a new way, we learned to cut corners and love it, we pulled together as a family, we became cheerleaders for each other…the list goes on. I guess you can either make the most of unemployment or you can let unemployment make a mess of you. Love the tips you’ve shared to get a handle on a very trying time in life! Best of luck to you!
What a great post that so many people can connect with. I love your positive attitude!
My favorite! Find a creative outlet! That is so critical. It helps you stay sane and it inspires you to figure out your next move!
Great post, thank you! Im currently unemployed, and ive been looking for a job for a few months now, noone wants a student for some reason, and its really hard to manage my money esspecially when im a student 😕.
I try to focus on the possibilities that can come from extra time and then take advantage of it! Being unproductive is what makes you feel bad about yourself. Great tips 🙂
I find your post interesting! It’s thought-provoking. It’s definitely helpful for unemployed to get them on the right track while enjoying.
I’ve found all 5 points perfectly accurate! I was unemployed for a month or so at the start of my gap year and am now only working 12 hours so I have a lot of free time which blogging has really filled. I always set an alarm for 9:30 as like a barrier for sleeping in too late but I do really enjoy waking in my own time. This is a really helpful post for the unemployed, thank you!
Kate || http://www.katerattley.com
Great post! I was unemployed for part of last year and found I was most content and confident when I was focused on the things I enjoyed and things I knew I was good out. You won’t feel super positive everyday, so surrounding yourself with positive people is also a good way to keep on track. Keep the faith!
xo, SC // SCsScoop.com
Love this post! I was unemployed and basically just took 2 months to do whatever I wanted. I went to the beach every day, read books for fun, and just let myself have a full on quarter life crisis! Then I decided to start my business!
Great post girl! Way to stay positive. You will find the perfect job for you, just be patient!
Positivity is best. I’ve been there it doesn’t feel good. But after I went back to work (to a job I hated) I regretted taking a chance on myself.
I was unemployed for 13 months back in 2001-2002. At the time I had two young children, a mortgage and not much in the bank. Fortunately I got a decent severance package and my wife could cover the bills.
To me it was a blessing. My youngest was still in pre-school and we ended up keeping her home 2 days a week to save money. I had so much quality time with her, it was awesome!
I also used our treadmill for 2 hours a day for 3-4 days a week and lost about 20lbs. I also did all of those odd jobs like painting the house.
I was in my mid 30s with a lot of responsibilities so it was little frightening at times, especially when employers kept saying no. Was I worth anything to anyone? Did I really have any valuable skills? Yikes!
I was in my own country so I didn’t have the additional barriers that you have to employment.
Can you work under the table or freelance? Any work that you can do on-line and not be employed in Ireland?