You are here: Looking > Being Unemployed Being Unemployed... Many people who are unemployed describe feeling shock, sadness, anger, frustration, lack of energy, and even hopelessness.  The fact is our society favours people who are working.  When we meet people for the first time, one of the first questions we are often asked is "What do you do?"  This can make unemployed people feel like outcasts in their communities and social circles, and can take its toll on their self-esteem.  Unfortunately, these feelings often make unemployed people less willing and able to connect with others, which then makes the job search even more tough.  It's a scary cycle that can only be broken when people get the support and information they need to get empowered! If you are unemployed and experiencing some of the feelings mentioned above, remember that being unemployed is temporary, and there are many supports and resources to help you change your current situation.  As soon as you get informed and connected to the right resources for you, you will get the motivation you need to continue job searching, and land a great job!

 

Stages of Unemployment

Stage 1 - Shock "How could this happen?" Stage 2 - Confusion "Why Me?" Stage 3 - Anger "This is all my boss's fault, she ruined my life!" Stage 4 - Resentment "I hate them for what they did to me, they don't even know how to run a company." Stage 5 - Acceptance "I lost my job, now I'm on Employment Insurance, I'll get through this." Stage 6 - Planning & Moving Forward "So, my EI lasts for about 3 months, maybe it's time for a change in jobs.  I've always been good with numbers, maybe I could even go back to school.  At the EI office I saw some pamphlets for a Career Planning program.  I'm kind of nervous, but it's free, and I have nothing to lose.  I'll try it."

Information based on Donalyn Leskosek Spisak's theory of the "Emotional Stages of Unemployment"

Examining Your Options

It is difficult but necessary to accept that the "perfect" job you might be looking for, just may not be available.  Job seekers are often looking for a job with high pay, flexible hours, and few or no education or experience requirements.  While this "perfect" position may not exist, remember that you have a wide range of options to choose from, that people sometimes don't think about.  These include:

• Accepting part-time or short-term work
• Looking for seasonal jobs - such as fruit picking, tree planting or seasonal help at retail stores
• Putting two part-time or seasonal jobs together to create full-time work
• Working at a temporary agency to gain experience and make money sooner
• Doing volunteer work to gain experience
• Taking further education or training
• Starting your own business

Although it is unlikely that there is a "perfect" job out there, let's face it work is called work for a reason, making use of these options, and thinking about your career in a more creative way, may be the key to you getting closer to the job that FITS your life and needs right now and in the future.