Tip From a Recently Laid-Off Parent

If you are reading this, you are most likely in the same situation as I currently am. Recently laid-off due to no fault of your own. You struggle daily to understand why your loyalty and dedication to the company was not enough. You may even ask why outsourcing is even legal? Often we fear hearing about immigrants "coming to take our jobs", but the affect of outsourcing has harmed many livelihoods for quite some time now. What ever the reason for a lay-off is, it is important to not blame yourself. 

    We could go on a whole political, ethical, and emotional tangent about this outsourcing or poor economy situation, or we could try to find some light and support in the darkness. 

Here are some things that are getting me through this unpleasant and stressful time: 

1. File for unemployment

There is nothing to be embarrassed about! Unemployment is there to help us through struggles such as these. We are tax-paying citizens and deserve to have financial support. Find food pantries near your own, one good thing about them is that a lot are "no questions asked", you can just go in and help yourself to what you need. 

2. Create a Spreadsheet

Not only will creating a Google sheet help you stay organized and keep track of what jobs you have applied for and when the interviews are scheduled, you will also find it easier to certify for unemployment. Lots of states ask for company names and job titles that you have applied for, it will be easy to have those on hand. 

3. Treat applying for jobs like a job
 Monday-Friday, thoughtfully apply to 5-10 jobs daily, make sure to add cover letters that are detailed and update that resume to fit the job description. Weekends, log-off and enjoy life, there is no point in punishing yourself or feeling bad when not actively job hunting.

4. Self-care
Treat yourself to that extra scoop of ice cream, give yourself a day to wallow in the sadness, two days, max. Then ask yourself what you would do if you did not have to work full-time. Would you go to the gym and lose those last 10 pounds? Would you teach yourself how to cook? Would you start decluttering your home? Would you start a blog? Find your passion, take this break from working full-time to find and better yourself. 

5. Spend time with your kiddos
They are only young once, so take advantage and get creative! You do not need to spend insane amounts of money on cruises and activities when there are free museums and playgrounds you can go to. Have bikes? Go on a bike ride. Have a picnic basket? Take a trip to the park and have a picnic lunch there. Have water and paint brushes? Work with  your little ones to "paint" the house/side of the building. Remember, your kids love you for you and not your money or what your job title is (was). 

For weeks, I was depressed and felt useless. After submitting 130 job applications I felt hopeless but I chose not to let that consume me anymore. Although my job search is not over, me blaming myself for things out of my control is. Remember, you are not alone, rely on your network and your support system, and most importantly, make sure to give yourself some grace. 

-Part Masterpiece