newjerseynewsroom.com

BY LESLIE OVITT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

27 AND FRUGAL

Often unemployment is associated with financial hardship. The emotional toll it takes on you is sometimes overlooked. Below are some tips to help you deal with the emotional and monetary woes during this interim:

1. Develop a routine

Stick to a normal daytime schedule just as though you are still working. Go to bed at a normal time and get up at a normal time. Even something as simple as waking up in the morning (rather than the afternoon) will help you feel more together. Be sure to set time aside every day to search and apply for jobs. Remain active by working out every day at the same time. Keeping a real-world schedule is the key to a healthy mentality. This will also make it easier to re-adjust to a work schedule once you find another job.

2. Set a goal

Set a goal in regards to some activity in your life that you enjoy doing. Now is a good time to spend more time with those hobbies you often ignore. The idea is to keep yourself busy but still focused on something productive.

One example is to set a workout goal. Have you always wanted to run a 5k but did not feel prepared? Simply budget out $25 and sign up for one. There are hundreds offered throughout the year in New Jersey. Schedule this training into your day and stick with it. Since being unemployed can cause you to feel depressed, meeting this goal will provide a boost to your self-esteem.

3. Keep applying

You should be constantly applying for jobs. Have one resume and cover letter template you can quickly modify to apply for specific jobs. Applying is free and will not take you more than 10 minutes per position. It does not matter how good your resume is if you never send it out. Try applying to at least one job a day.

Be patient. Employers will contact you anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after you apply. Take note of the job posting date. Being one of the first to apply will definitely increase your chances of having your resume seen.

4. Learn

Spend some time during the week to learn more in your field. Perhaps your knowledge is slightly outdated due to previous work limitations. Maybe you have always wanted to learn a new technology in your field but did not have the time.

Read up on your industry to find out what you need to know to be a marketable candidate. You might want to take a class, earn a certification or just sit in on some lectures. Also, look for networking opportunities to collaborate with others in your field.

5. Restructure your budget

If you are going to be on U.S. Federal Unemployment, chances are your income will be greatly decreased. You will need to restructure your budget to account for this. It is incredibly difficult to balance having lots of free time with having little money to spend. You should always remain conscious of your budget and spending. Be sure to factor in job-hunting expenses as well.

You will have to sacrifice. You will have to eat out less. You will have to tell your friends you cannot go out this weekend. Unemployment will cover all your bills but not much else. This means your entertainment budget especially will take a big hit. While it is enticing to go out on a weeknight, you really need some discipline here. This is also why keeping a normal routine is important.

6. Save your receipts

Job-hunting expenses are tax deductible, so save all your receipts.

7. Change It up

If you are not getting any call backs after applying to jobs you know you qualify for, try changing your resume. Even something as simple as a layout redesign can make you stand out more. If you are not hearing anything after interviews, change up your prepared answers and find different ways to describe your past work history. It is up to you to market yourself better than your competition.

 

 

ALSO BY LESLIE OVITT

The art of personal finance: How to create your 2010 budget

Let Frank Lloyd Wright help you clear holiday clutter