We have all been there at some point in our life. Some more than others. (Speaking about myself lol) But when it happens it can be a mix of emotions depending of the situation. And everybody knows that looking for a job is one of the worst processes ever one has to do. From having to make a profile with each company you apply for to having to do numerous of interviews that go nowhere. Job hunting is the worst,but it is something that you have to do.
Being unemployed is a weird feeling. One is that it can feel freeing and happy. You may have not liked the job and are happy with yourself for finally moving on to something else that is more deserving of your time and work. Another is that you may feel scared and worried. You may have been very comfortable at the job but couldn’t continue for any reason or maybe you were fired without notice. Nevertheless, being unemplouyed can actually be beneficial for one. It can be a time that we can take to do many things that we may have wanted to do or something new. Following will be a coupe of things that I have liked to do when I have those small periods of unemployment.
Start Being More Active
This is not saying start going to the gym and become a full on jock (Unless you want to) but more so just don’t lay around all day. While it may sound tempting, and it is great the first few days; don’t make it a habit. Any type of activity will definitely help you, especially if you are sad about losing a job. Not only does it help you take your mind off of things, it also helps you move because your body should have some type of movement throughout the day.
My recommendations for being more active are:
- Yoga
- Running
- Ballet
Definitely recommend getting the Nike Training App and Nike Running App. Both of these apps have so much great content that will help you get active. Yoga lessons from 5 to 60 minutes, with varied intensity. And great guided runs that will help you keep focused but also help overall. For ballet, I just suggest going on YouTube. I will link the one class that I like and on the side recommendations of the video; the follows ups pop up.(if you do wanna keep following) Also if you want a nice butt and legs this combo is the key. Running helps strengthen the legs and glutes, while yoga and ballet really help keep them toned and firm. THIS IS JUST MY THEORY, DEFININFLY NOT A SCIENTIST. LOL But I say checking them out, won’t hurt at all.
Start That Thing You’ve Been Thinking About
You have the free time, so might as well do it. Start the hobby or thing that has been on your mind for a while, now that you have more free time. Whether it can be something that can help you make money like maybe YouTube or TikTok or just something that makes you genuinely happy, DO IT! Literally Now or Never. Obviously, being dramatic; nevertheless, this will help you be more positive in a time of uncertainty.
Things that I have done during my unemployment eras:
- Learned Hand Embroidery
- Started Meditating
- Started doing Yoga
- Started Chakra Work
- Doing Vlogs for fun
- Started Learning a New Language
Mind you, I did not do or start doing all these at once. These are things I have picked up over the years during my different unemployment eras. So if you have multiple things you want to start doing while unemployed, I say try and choose a couple so you can pour more of your energy into those, instead of trying to do a lot and not giving it your all. For example, when I started doing chakra work, I had already been doing Yoga and was meditating here and there. When I did add it in, it wasn’t something that would somehow change my routine, it in fact bettered my routine and made it more personal. So maybe choose things that relate to each other, so they can build off of each other and help you perfect them.
Start Reflecting Inward
During this time like i stated earlier can be a mix of emotions both negative and positive. Since you have the time, might as well process them and also start helping yourself. Whether it start going to therapy or trying other things such as meditation and chakra work; working on one and reflecting on oneself is a great thing to do. When people have a job and it’s full time, we don’t always have the time to do so and we neglect our self. Not even mentioning other things people might have additionally to their job like school, family, pets, etc. But this time can be beneficial because you are helping heal yourself from the inside and that can help you be more prepared and ready for the ventures you have forthcoming.
Things that can help your reflect inward:
- Therapy
- Chakra Work
- Writing
- Meditating
- Running
- Reading
I find the things listed above have helped me reflect on myself, learn and grow. While therapy is expensive, if you have the means or insurance covers it, I suggest to try it out. But try finding a psychiatrist you feel comfortable, don’t just settle for the first one that pops up. Writing is a great way of learning and reflect on ones self. Especially journaling because when you go back and read old things you wrote, you are hopefully in a better place and can look back and think that you have grown. I highly recommend the book “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: a guide to reclaiming yourself” This book is so insightful and makes you learn about yourself. If you want to read a review I have on this book Click Here. Overall, taking the little time to help yourself will probably help you in the long run.
JUST RELAX
I think a lot off people stress out during a time of unemployment. While yes, things can probably seem hard and bleak; they WILL get better. Everything just takes time. Plus, if you keep your mind in a negative mind set, things will just keep looking darker. Not saying start having toxic positivity; just be realistic, things will and are going to work out and don’t let your negative thoughts consume you. SO JUST RELAX. I feel like we live in a world where everyone is always go, go, go and people don’t like to stop because they think if they do, they won’t reach their end goal; whatever that maybe. But again, now that you have the time, RELAX. TAKE A BREATHER.
Start your days slow. Do a short gentle yoga session. Followed by breakfast. Then maybe journal in your yard or walk to your local park while listening to calming music. Take a nice short gentle run around your neighborhood around 11 A.M. Then maybe eat some lunch and watch something. (I say 11 A.M. run because during that time is when most people who don’t work are doing something, so the streets are usually a little more quiet (if you run by where there is a to of houses) and less people staring. Plus kids are in school and people who are employed are probably working. So it is just a nice time.
Literally do anything that you find relaxing. Doesn’t have to be like what I said above, as that is what I find relaxing. Everyone has their own version, so I say do as you please.
Here’s my running playlist if you ever need one on a run.
Here are my calming playlists that I love (yes I have various)
- APPLE MUSIC
- Spotify
All in all, if you are currently unemployed or if you are thinking about switching jobs and are scared about being unemployed, DON’T BE. This small time off can be beneficial for yourself in a more personal way than you know. Plus, taking a small break before finding a job is necessary in my mind. I think it shouldn’t be looked down on.
I once went to an interview and the guy asked why I had gaps between jobs and I told him that, that was the time I had taken for me to find a job between jobs. He then gave me a tip to “keep a job till you find the next.” And, i personally, do not like this because whenever I’m looking for a job it is because I am not happy where I am at and want something new. Why would I keep going to a place that makes me happy? Also jobs start being more unreasonable when you are looking for a job and then do not want to give you days off you may have an interview on and are just weird about leaving in general.
Moreover, I feel this mentality is very antiquated. While yes, in a perfect world one would want to do that; we don’t live in a perfect world. We work jobs where there is horrible management, bad coworkers, and terrible customers/consumers. You should not have to put yourself through situations you do not like just because it is a job and you don’t want to or are scared of change. ALWAYS PUT YOURSELF BEFORE ANY COMPANY. Because in reality, they will always put themselves first before you.
I hope this post helped people who are going through this or might go through this in the future. I didn’t add apply for jobs to this because that is a no brainer lol. How have you taken your time of being unemployed? Let me know in the comments!
J’s Journal 