For more than
five million Americans, unemployment has stretched on for over a year or more.
For this segment of the unemployed, long-term joblessness is a spirit crushing
reality. Below are a few coping
strategies for keeping your spirits up during a long spell of joblessness:
1.
Keep
things in perspective. Yes, you are unemployed and have been for longer than
you expected; but remember that we are in a recession. Your unemployment
situation most likely has more to do with the general lack of jobs than it has
to do with your lack of skills.
2.
Surround
yourself with people who are in the same boat as you and who can offer support.
Social groups and support networks designed for the unemployed are great
resources when a long job search is getting you down. Try to connect with others and share your frustrations. And
most importantly, remember that you’re not alone.
3.
Take
a day off to just wind down and relax.
Many unemployed attorneys spend all of their time trying to find a
job. They may work twelve hours a
day, everyday just to send out one last resume or make one last call. While it may seem productive to work
all of the time on your job search, it is really just a recipe for
disaster. Everyone needs a break
to recharge and refresh, even the unemployed.
4.
Remind
yourself of your accomplishments. Many unemployed attorneys make the mistake
focusing only on their joblessness.
But the unemployed need to make sure that they constantly remind
themselves of all the things they have accomplished already especially in the
midst of their struggle to find a job.