Between jobs
Last updated: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 PrintIf you’ve just lost your job, the question that you fear most is this: “So what do you do for a living?” Here’s how to cope when you're not working.
In a capitalist world, working is equated with having money, and money is key, points out Roné Gerber, Cape Town psychologist.
“Therefore the loss of a job can have a serious impact on someone’s self-esteem. It is a big loss and the feelings that can accompany sudden unemployment can closely resemble the feelings experienced during bereavement: anger, resentment, sadness, disbelief, depression and aggression,” says Gerber.
People also feel guilty about losing a job, even if they themselves did nothing to cause the job loss. Also, if they come from well-to-do communities in which people live fairly isolated lives, the pressure to perform can be immense. In poorer communities, people are more used to helping each other out, and the stigma of sudden unemployment is less acute, according to Gerber.
She also mentioned that who you are can affect how you handle sudden unemployment. The following factors can play a big role:
- age
- sex
- marketability
- qualifications
- race
- whether you are the chief breadwinner
A well-qualified young black woman is going to have far less difficulty finding employment in South Africa than a 55-year-old white man with few qualifications.
Whether you are between jobs, or just recently matriculated, or whether you have been retrenched, the way you feel will probably be very similar. This is not easy to deal with – when you're unemployed, it's easy to feel sidelined, depressed, worried about money and unmotivated. Feeling this way makes it more difficult to motivate yourself to get back into the swing of things.
So here are some practical tips on what you can do in the meantime:
Job search. Don't stop looking, even if you're feeling unmotivated. Keep your eyes open for anything vaguely in your line, or depending on how desperate your financial situation is, anything at all. Small jobs well done have often led to greater things.
Keep busy. Empty days that stretch endlessly ahead, can be terribly depressing. Do something regularly, such as exercising or seeing a friend, or gardening, or going to the movies. Don't watch TV all day.
Be creative. Now you have the time to do things like drawing, woodwork, writing, sewing, furniture restoration, time-consuming home improvements... Use the time at your disposal to give vent to your creative talents – exactly the kind of thing you wouldn't be able to do if you were stuck in an office all day.
Depression. Watch out for depression – it can creep up on you. Many people, when they are out of work, feel redundant, unwanted and unmotivated. Keeping busy in a constructive manner and not stopping the job search will both contribute to improving the way you feel.
Get money. Check whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits. If you weren't registered for these, look for alternative ways of earning money. Put the word out that you are available for house-sitting, babysitting, running errands, casual work, etc. Do whatever it takes. Work is not going to come and knock on your front door.
Watch the papers. Read the employment sections of the papers every day. Check the internet for job ads as well, if you have internet access. If you don't, ask friends who do, to keep their eyes open. Also check community notice boards for any openings or opportunities.
See friends. Make fixed dates with people. Loneliness is a big problem if you have a lot of time on your hands. If you have fixed dates with friends, it structures your week to a certain extent. It might also open some new doors.
Do things that don't cost money. Joining the library doesn't cost anything. Nor does going for a walk in a scenic area, doing window shopping, visiting friends.
Keep your CV updated. Have a copy ready in case anyone contacts you and wants it as soon as possible. Be battle-ready.
Up your skills. Better your computer skills, do voluntary work for charities or simply offer your services free to a company where you really would like to work. With more experience, chances are that you will find employment more easily.
(Susan Erasmus, Health24, updated January 2009)
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Your Comments
retrenchments
At the moment I know 7 people who have company retrenchments hanging over their heads. It must be one of the worst things to go through and it lasts for months.
unemployed
My wife lost her job end of last year, so Christmas wasn' t very cheerful. But she heard yesterday she' s got a new job starting in Feb. Thank God.
unemployed
Last year, after I was retrenched, I was forced to move to Port Shepstone and I am still unemployed. Very depressing
own business
So many people, when they get retrenched, start their own business. Just a word of advice go and do a short course on business management before you jump in. It' s a difficult thing to get a business off the ground. make sure you know what you' re doing before you invest your retrenchment package.
companies
I know that companies sometimes don' t have a choice in retrenching staff, but sometimes it is done without feeling. Do they know what people go through at a time like this? Any idea?
Not working
The worse is if you really want to work and you cant find a job.
own business
So many people, when they get retrenched, start their own business. Just a word of advice go and do a short course on business management before you jump in. It' s a difficult thing to get a business off the ground. make sure you know what you' re doing before you invest your retrenchment package. - Mariette
retrenchment
I was retrenched and before the retrenchment,my manager said to me there is no need to worry, he will look after me.He looked so good after me that he retrenched me, and I did not see that coming from a mile away. As long as the comp can save money, they don' t care about the people they retrench.
Sometimes even these tips fail
I had to work in a jewellery shop for R20 a day. When u need the money u have to take anything. But let me say this, perserverance pays off. I then got R3/hour, progressed to R6/hour. Today i work in a big company and earn like a R1000/day. Nothing is beneath you if you have a dream.
Retrenchment
In 2008 I got retrenched...twice. My wife was retrenched in Aug 08 as well as my mom. My Dad also lost his job in Oct 08. Whats happening? Obviously there' s a big problem as so many people continue to lose their jobs. I finally found work in Nov 08, but at a 3rd of the salary I used to earn. But, All Thanx to God, I got a job!
Easier said thatn done !!!!!
As of end Jan, I am in the unemployment line. I have 20yrs exp in the industry I' m in and still things are looking gloomy. A large Tour Operator has had to close it' s doors and another one tells of at least 20% loss of business in this industry. Think I' ll go cut the grass now :(
Spoilt Christmas
So many people had their Christmas spoilt by having the sword of retrenchment hanging over them. Why do companies choose this time of the year to do this kind of thing? Will it kill them to wait three weeks?
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