Around 27 million workers—roughly one out of every six U.S. workers, are either unemployed or underemployed. It’s a hard pill to swallow when you’re in that category. I’m included in the category, but the good thing is, I’m not out on the streets. Currently, I’m in college, but I make ends meet with assistance from the Veteran’s Administration and freelance writing.
Not everyone is able to sit at a comfortable level. Most people spend each day either searching Internet job sites or driving around commercial areas inquiring businesses about openings. The stress and worry pile up, leading to a downward spiral into a dark abyss! In this market, plenty of people are making all the right moves, and still can’t find work.
This article doesn’t contain the following: “how to write an effective resume,” “how to impress your employer,” or ” what to wear to an interview.” Instead, I’m going to focus on the most important factor to keep you afloat—your mental strength.
Researchers believe underemployment can have long-term psychological effects. It’s an issue that hasn’t been studied in depth. Several experts worry that if the situation doesn’t improve quickly, it could lead to a sense of unfulfilled hopes and diminished expectations. I intend to offer a survival guide to help you keep your sanity while going through the hell of un(der)employment. It’s a mixture of things I’ve learned, heard, and read. Let’s get started!
“My friends and family nagged me, always asking if I found a job; to the point I wanted to scream. I questioned everything about myself.”
- Job Hunt Routine
This is the hardest thing to accomplish. Your mind naturally drifts off, dealing with the ugly truth of being underemployed or unemployed. Job searching is mundane work, and your eyes begin to turn red as you stare at a computer screen! I’ve read the same postings one time too many. I check for email messages every hour on the hour. While all those things need to be done each day, they only deserve a few hours of attention. Time management is the key blueprint, and I’m still learning to use it wisely.
- Get by with a Little Help
It’s hard to believe, but you’re not alone when it comes to the issue of underemployment or unemployment. The reports speak on it, yet it’s tough for people who haven’t experienced it firsthand to truly understand. I managed to get some advice from others who are in the same boat. It can be a big help to seek out other people who are going through the same thing, because they will get it.
- Positivity is the Key
A few weeks went by, and I began thinking nothing was working. My friends and family nagged me, always asking if I found a job; to the point I wanted to scream. I questioned everything about myself. It turned into an existential crisis. I had days where I felt utterly helpless, and days where I was irritable. However, I continue to push that boulder up the hill until one day I’ll finally make it.
- Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
It’s a vital component keeping my mind clear, and my concentration better. Exercise is one of the most important and effective ways of warding off depression. I try to make it a part of every day. I have a hard time doing it, especially in the morning, but I do it anyway. As a result of the movement, my body feels awake and my blood surges to each body part. Exercise you enjoy doing helps to blow off stress and feels good.
- Self-Improvement
There’s always room for improvement or to add new tools the toolbox. My free time is down time for myself to understand who I am. I try to improve my writing, get involved with my college groups, and take life each day at a time. I learn there’s always room for improvement; no matter how big or small.
The main thing is, maintain a stable outlook through the troublesome ordeal of un(der)employment. It’s a struggle to keep the gloomy psychological effects at bay. I learned a great solution is to keep a schedule. Specifically, schedule the significant events of each day. That will assist you in maintaining a grounded mental well-being.
My schedule involves: an 8 a.m. wakeup, then workout, then afternoon college homework and writing gigs, and an evening with job hunts. The schedule is simple, but it allows me to stay going and going, like the Energizer Bunny. So, even if job search leaves me empty handed, I still finish feeling I’ve accomplished one of my projects. For example, during my time, I’ve written many articles that are now sprinkled out across the internet. I also have a poem published in an online literary magazine, and have been working on how to turn my computer into JARVIS from Iron Man (a pending project).
As long as I’m doing something other than sitting around the house brooding, I figure I’ll be okay. In sum, stay active, keep a positive attitude, and don’t give up. You owe yourself that.
Tyrone Townsend is a freelance writer and occasional blogger. When he’s not typing away on his laptop, he’s out and about gathering insight for the next piece to set the internet a blaze…or at least he thinks so. For more work by Tyrone check out his articles on QuietMike and Superbious.